The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the three-year power transition plan presented by Niger Republic‘s military junta.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, voiced this rejection in an interview with the BBC on Sunday.
Abdourahmane Tiani, Niger Republic’s self-declared head of state, announced a return to civilian rule within three years in a late-night address on Saturday.
However, he provided no specific details about the plan, stating that the principles for the transition would be determined within 30 days during a dialogue organized by the junta.
“Our ambition is not to confiscate power. The transition period will not exceed three years; meanwhile, political parties are urged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days,” Tiani had said.
The junta leader spoke after meeting with an ECOWAS delegation led by Abdulsalami Abubakar, Nigeria’s former head of state.
Reacting to Tiani’s proposal, Musah said ECOWAS would no longer accept prolonged transition periods in the region.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Musah also added that the “military aspect is very much on”.
The junta head earlier said Niger did not want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention if compelled to.