ECOWAS Rejects Military Junta’s Three-Year Transition Plan

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected a plan for a three-year transitional government in Niger proposed by the military junta that seized power on 26 July.

Abdel Fattah Moussa, the group’s political, peace and security commissioner, told the BBC that a three-year transition plan in Niger was “unacceptable.”

Moussa noted that this proposal is nothing more than a “smoke screen” for dialogue and diplomacy.

Return power to civilians

“The sooner the army returns power to the civilian population and focuses on its core responsibilities, such as defending the territorial integrity of Niger, the better,” he added.

Yesterday, Sunday, the head of the military council of Niger, Abd al-Rahman Tiani, said that the transition to civilian rule in the country will be completed within a maximum period of 3 years.

Since July 26 last year, the National Council for the Defense of the Homeland in Niger has held President Mohamed Bazum and members of his family after he was removed from power and the constitution was suspended.