The Economic Community of West African States has turned down Niger junta’s three-year power transition plan.
In a Sunday interview with the BBC, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, made this statement.
The Niger Republic’s military junta reportedly led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani On Saturday, announced his intention to step down from office in three years, but he also cautioned that any foreign intervention would not be “a walk in the park.”.
He declared, “Our goal is not to seize power,” in a televised speech carried by Tele Sahel. The transition period won’t last longer than three years, and political parties are urged to submit their plans for it within 30 days.
“There is openness to any dialogue, provided that it considers the aspirations of the Niger people. Any intervention, though, will trigger the opening of the Pandora’s Box, so it won’t be simple.
After an ECOWAS delegation arrived in the nation to make one last diplomatic effort before deciding to launch a military coup against the junta, he issued a warning.
However, Musah claimed in the BBC interview that Tchiani’s proposal was merely a front for negotiations and diplomacy.
He said, “ECOWAS is not accepting any prolonged transition again in the region. They just have to get ready to hand over in the shortest possible time.”
The military aspect, he continued, “is very much on.
“The sooner they return control to the civilian population and focus on upholding Niger’s territorial integrity, the better for them.
On Sunday, pro-junta demonstrators reaffirmed their support for the military coup in the Niger Republic by taking to the streets of Niamey.
The protesters, according to AFP, chanted anti-French and anti-ECOWAS slogans. ECOWAS is considering a possible military operation to restore elected president Mohamed Bazoum if ongoing talks with the coup leaders fail.
The Sahel state’s new military rulers have officially forbade protests, but in reality those in favor of the coup are still permitted to hold them.
In reference to the trade and financial sanctions imposed by ECOWAS four days after the July 26 coup, the protesters waved placards reading “Stop the military intervention” and “No to sanctions.”.
The new military regime was praised by musicians at the pro-coup rally on Sunday, according to AFP.
