‘Prepare to handover in shortest possible time,’ ECOWAS rejects Niger junta’s three-year transition plan

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the three-year power transition plan proposed by Niger Republic’s military junta.

Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, spoke on Sunday in an interview with the BBC.

In a late-night address on Saturday, Abdourahmane Tiani, Niger Republic’s self-declared head of state, said the country will return to civilian rule within three years.

The coup leader gave no details of the plan, noting that only the principles for the transition would be decided within 30 days at a dialogue to be hosted by the junta.

“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.

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.