The leader of Niger's coup has committed to transitioning the West African nation back to civilian rule within a span of three years. General Abdourahamane Tchiani conveyed this announcement following discussions with mediators from the West African regional organization Ecowas in the capital city, Niamey.

In response to last month's overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, Ecowas has indicated potential military intervention if negotiations prove ineffective.

The junta leader emphasized that while Niger seeks to avoid conflict, it will defend itself against any external interference. In his televised speech on Saturday evening, he cautioned that an attack on Niger would not be as straightforward as some believe.

Gen Tchiani also reiterated his criticism of the "unlawful and inhumane" sanctions imposed on the landlocked country by Ecowas.

These measures have included cutting off electricity, resulting in power outages in Niamey and other major cities, along with obstructing vital imports. As a consequence, truck drivers have been stranded for weeks, leading to supply shortages and a rise in food prices.

"Sanctions are not conceived with the aim of finding a solution but to bring us to our knees and humiliate us," Gen Tchiani said.

Thousands of men came to a stadium in Niamey on Saturday to register for a volunteer force in case of invasion - although overcrowding prevented the registration process from starting, the Reuters news agency reports.

Ecowas rejected the three-year timeframe after talks on Sunday.

"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," Abdel-Fatau Musah, the bloc's commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, told the BBC.

He said the "military aspect is very much on".

He added: "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."

Regional efforts to reverse the coup have been backed by the US and France, which both have military bases in Niger. These bases are part of efforts to tackle jihadist groups in the wider Sahel region.

The junta leader, who headed the presidential guard before seizing power on 26 July, said military intervention could worsen the Islamist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

"They seem ignorant to the fact that it is in large part thanks to the professionalism and valour of the defence and security forces of Niger that Niger has remained a barrier preventing terrorist hordes from destabilizing the whole region," he said.

The coup mirrors similar recent takeovers in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.

And the influence of Russia in the wider Sahel region is also growing through its mercenary group Wagner.

Gen Tchiani did not give details about the handover of power, but said the principles for the transition would be decided within 30 days at a "dialogue" hosted by the coup leaders.

Their delegation was led by former Nigerian military leader Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar and also included Nigeria's most senior Muslim leader, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'adu Abubakar III.

He wields huge influence in Niger, part of which used to be in the Sokoto Caliphate, a powerful kingdom before colonial rule.

Saturday's meeting was the first between leaders of the junta and Ecowas.

Really.
I don't believe this.

Thanks for the Niger Political news update.

[i][/i]

atoluwash:

The leader of Niger's coup has committed to transitioning the West African nation back to civilian rule within a span of three years. General Abdourahamane Tchiani conveyed this announcement following discussions with mediators from the West African regional organization Ecowas in the capital city, Niamey.

In response to last month's overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, Ecowas has indicated potential military intervention if negotiations prove ineffective.

The junta leader emphasized that while Niger seeks to avoid conflict, it will defend itself against any external interference. In his televised speech on Saturday evening, he cautioned that an attack on Niger would not be as straightforward as some believe.

Gen Tchiani also reiterated his criticism of the "unlawful and inhumane" sanctions imposed on the landlocked country by Ecowas.

These measures have included cutting off electricity, resulting in power outages in Niamey and other major cities, along with obstructing vital imports. As a consequence, truck drivers have been stranded for weeks, leading to supply shortages and a rise in food prices.

"Sanctions are not conceived with the aim of finding a solution but to bring us to our knees and humiliate us," Gen Tchiani said.

Thousands of men came to a stadium in Niamey on Saturday to register for a volunteer force in case of invasion - although overcrowding prevented the registration process from starting, the Reuters news agency reports.

Ecowas rejected the three-year timeframe after talks on Sunday.

"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," Abdel-Fatau Musah, the bloc's commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, told the BBC.

He said the "military aspect is very much on".

He added: "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."

Regional efforts to reverse the coup have been backed by the US and France, which both have military bases in Niger. These bases are part of efforts to tackle jihadist groups in the wider Sahel region.

The junta leader, who headed the presidential guard before seizing power on 26 July, said military intervention could worsen the Islamist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

"They seem ignorant to the fact that it is in large part thanks to the professionalism and valour of the defence and security forces of Niger that Niger has remained a barrier preventing terrorist hordes from destabilizing the whole region," he said.

The coup mirrors similar recent takeovers in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.

And the influence of Russia in the wider Sahel region is also growing through its mercenary group Wagner.

Gen Tchiani did not give details about the handover of power, but said the principles for the transition would be decided within 30 days at a "dialogue" hosted by the coup leaders.

Their delegation was led by former Nigerian military leader Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar and also included Nigeria's most senior Muslim leader, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'adu Abubakar III.

He wields huge influence in Niger, part of which used to be in the Sokoto Caliphate, a powerful kingdom before colonial rule.

Saturday's meeting was the first between leaders of the junta and Ecowas.

[s][/s]
Nawa