Niger coup leader pledges to handover power within three years

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger’s coup leader, has promised to return the West African nation to civilian rule within three years. The announcement was made following a meeting with mediators from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Niamey. 

ECOWAS regional bloc has threatened military action if talks to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum failed. The junta leader has said Niger is not ready for war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention. 

“If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think,” Gen Tchiani warned in his televised address on Saturday evening. 

He also reiterated criticism of what he called the “illegal and inhumane” sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on Niger. This has included cutting electricity, resulting in blackouts in Niamey and other major cities, as well as blocking crucial imports.

Truck drivers have been stuck in border towns for weeks waiting to bring in supplies, forcing up food prices.

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

However, ECOWAS has rejected the three-year proposal by Gen. Tchiani 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,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, the bloc’s commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, to 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 which is defending the territorial integrity of Niger, the better for them.”

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

Source: BBC Africa