Pope Francis had on Sunday, August 20, made a plea for a diplomatic solution to the political crisis in Niger, occasioned by a coup that threatened the stability in the region.
Pope Francis, had while addressing the catholic faithful in St Peter’s Square after his Angelus prayer, stated that he had been keeping up with the situation in Niger and he would be joining with the bishops in the country to call in a favour fot peace and stability to reign in the Sahel region.
Niger’s military ruler had meanwhile, on Saturday, August 19, said that a transition of power would not go beyond three years, and had caution that any assault on the country would not go unchallenged for those involved.
“Our plan is not to seize power, any transition to power in the country will not go beyond three years. If an attack were to be launched agianst us, we will not make it easy for anyone.” General Tiani had said during a televised address.
General Tiani had also revealed that ECOWAS was getting ready to attack Niger by dispatching an occupying army in partnership with a foreign army, but he had not disclosed the country he meant.