We’ll Restore Democratic Rule Within 3 Years – Niger Republic Junta

The Niger Republic military Head of State, General  Abdourahmane Tiani, has declared that the country will return to civilian rule within the next three years.

This was as he denounced what he described as “illegal and inhuman” sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS, stressing that while Niger Republic is not looking for war, he however declared that it is ready to defend itself if compelled to do so.

Tiani, who announced the position of the new military leadership in the country in a televised 12 minutes broadcast on Saturday, August 19, 2023, did not give details of the transition plan.

The military Head of State however said that the principles for the transition would be decided within 30 days at a dialogue to be hosted by the military leadership.

In the words of Tiani; “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, who was the head of the Niger’s presidential Guards, noted that ECOWAS was getting ready to attack the former French colony by setting up an occupying army in collaboration with a foreign army.

The Nigerien military head of State further said that there is availability for dialogue, provided that it takes into account the aspirations of the people of Niger.

According to Tiani; “Any intervention will open a Pandora’s Box and will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think”.

The Nigerien’s coup leaders had previously rebuffed the delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on Saturday as it was the Country’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine that received the team led by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto as well as Omar Touray, ECOWAS commission president.

The Abubakar-led negotiation team later met with the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held hostage since the July 26 military takeover.

Abubakar told journalists after the visit that his team met with Bazoum, who narrated his experience so far.

He said; “We heard from him (Bazoum) what was done to him. He told us about the problems he is facing. We will take it to the leaders who sent us here.

“Without doubt, the meeting has opened discussions to lead to a way to resolve this crisis,” Abubakar said.

In the meantime, while the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs said they had finalised plans to deploy troops to Niger to restore democracy. It did not however state when its troops would be moving to the troubled country.