The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unequivocally rejected power transition plan proposed by the Niger junta.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that the junta had proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule following its meeting with an ECOWAS envoy led by former Nigerian Head of State, Abubakar Abdulsalami.
The junta also talked down the option of war but vowed to defend itself from external forces.
“Our ambition is not to confiscate power. If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think,” junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani had said on Saturday.
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Howerver, In an interview with the BBC, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, made it clear that the junta must relinquish power in the shortest possible time.
The firm stance by ECOWAS comes after the head of the military junta, General Abdourahamane Tiani, warned against any foreign intervention, emphasizing the challenges it would pose.
However, ECOWAS remained resolute in its position
Tiani said:
“Our ambition is not to confiscate power. Transition period will not exceed three years; meanwhile, political parties are urged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days.
“There’s availability for any dialogue, provided that it takes into account the aspirations of the people of Niger. However, any intervention will open a Pandora’s Box and will not be a walk in the park.”
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On the other hand, Musah said the junta must hand over power as soon as possible.
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.
“Military aspect is very much on.
“The earlier they give power back to civilians and concentrate on their primary responsibility that is defending the territorial integrity of Niger, the better for them.”
On Saturday, the former head of military state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), led an ECOWAS delegation to Niger in a last-ditch diplomatic effort to reach a peaceful resolution with the Nigerian government.
The delegation met Prime Minister Ali Zeine, who picked them up at the airport and took them to the presidential palace.
They then met with the deposed president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, after a meeting with the leader of the junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
