ECOWAS says Niger junta’s 3-year transition plan unacceptable

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said the three-year plan proposed by Niger Republic’s military junta for transfer of power is not acceptable.

Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, announced the rejection in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

He insisted that 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.

“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 said.

He added that the plan to use the military to eject the junta from power by ECOWAS ‘is very much on”.

Niger Republic’s military ruler Abdourahmane Tiani, had late Saturday announced that the country would return to civilian rule within three years.

But he did not give any detail of the propose transition plan.

According to him, the principles for the transition would be decided within 30 days at a dialogue to be hosted by the junta where he is the leader.

He also asked political parties to submit their vision for transition of power.

“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,” Tiani had said.

He spoke after meeting with an ECOWAS delegation, led by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

The junta leader said Niger Republic would defend itself against any foreign intervention, if compelled to fight.