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Coup: ECOWAS Rejects Niger Junta’s Three-Year Power Transition Plan

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The three-year power transition plan put forth by the military junta in the Niger Republic has been rejected by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The refusal was disclosed to the BBC on Sunday by Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.

Abdourahmane Tiani, the self-declared president of the Niger Republic, said in a late-night declaration on Saturday that the nation will return to civilian control in three years.

The leader of the coup gave no specifics on the plan, only saying that the junta will outline the transitional principles at a meeting in 30 days.

 

“Our goal is not to seize power.

“The transition period will not be longer than three years; in the meantime, political parties are urged to submit their transition vision within 30 days,” the junta leader remarked after meeting with an ECOWAS group led by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Musah responded to Tiani’s idea by saying that ECOWAS will no longer support extended transition periods in the region.

“ECOWAS will not accept another prolonged transition in the region.

“All they have to do is get ready to hand over as soon as possible.

“The sooner they return power to civilians and focus on their primary responsibility of defending Niger’s territorial integrity, the better”, he remarked.

Musah further stated that the “military aspect is very much on”.

The junta chief has stated that Niger does not seek a conflict but will defend itself against any foreign interference if forced to.

 

 

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