The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the plan of the Niger junta, which aims to achieve a transition of power towards a democratic government within a span of three years.
Addressing the public through a televised speech, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the military junta, clarified that their intention is not to hold onto power indefinitely. He outlined that any transition of authority would be completed within three years.
However, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, expressed his strong disagreement with this proposal during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program. Musah stated that the West African bloc firmly refuses to endorse this plan.
He went on to explain that ECOWAS is insistent on the prompt restoration of constitutional order. Musah referred to past experiences of dealing with military regimes, describing the situation as a familiar “cat-and-mouse game.” He pointed out the historical context of Niger’s constitution, initially established in 2010 and later revised in 2017.
Ambassador Musah questioned the need for a three-year experimentation period for governance changes and labeled it as a subterfuge to divert ECOWAS from its course. He compared the proposed duration with the terms of leadership for democratically elected presidents and other military regimes in the region.
Addressing recent developments, General Abdourahamane Tiani reiterated his stance during his televised address, emphasizing that their objective is not to maintain control indefinitely. He underscored that any transition of power would be completed within three years. He also issued a cautionary message that any attempt to attack Niger would not be as straightforward as some might assume.
Notably, Tiani hinted at potential external actions by asserting that ECOWAS was preparing to launch an operation involving an occupying army, although he didn’t specify the foreign country involved.
Tiani’s warning came as an ECOWAS delegation arrived in Niger for a final diplomatic endeavor before making a decision on potential military intervention against the new military leadership. The delegation engaged with Mohamed Bazoum, the ousted president who has been confined at the official presidential residence since the coup on July 26.
Last week, ECOWAS defense leaders held discussions to finalize the specifics of a potential military mission aimed at reinstating Bazoum, in case ongoing negotiations with the coup leaders prove ineffective.
In his speech, Tiani criticized ECOWAS for imposing “illegal” and “inhuman” sanctions on Niger following the military takeover. He also announced a 30-day period for a “national dialogue,” during which they will formulate practical proposals to establish a new constitutional framework.
All eyes are now on ECOWAS as observers eagerly await their next strategic move in this complex and evolving situation.
