Niger Junta Defies ECOWAS with Unveiling of 3-Year Transition Plan

Head of Niger junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, defied ECOWAS leaders on Saturday evening by announcing a three-year transition programme to democracy.

He announced this in a televised speech after meeting an ECOWAS delegation led by former Nigerian leader, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Tchiani warned ECOWAS against carrying out a military intervention in his country.

“Our ambition is not to confiscate power,” said Tchiani during the address, specifying that the duration of the transition “cannot go beyond three years”.

“If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think.”

In the 12 minute speech, Tchiani announced the launch of a “national dialogue” which will last 30 days.

The dialogue will lead to the formulation of “concrete proposals” with a view to laying “the foundations of a new constitutional order”.

“ECOWAS is preparing to attack Niger by setting up an occupying army in collaboration with a foreign army”, Tchiani said without citing a country.

He also denounced the “illegal” and “inhuman” sanctions of the West African economic bloc.

After the coup of 26 July, Niger has been under heavy financial and trade sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, which wants the return of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.

Bazoum who met General Abubakar on Saturday, has been held prisoner since he was deposed by the soldiers.