Leader of the military junta in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, Saturday, proposed to return the Uranium-rich country to democratic governance within three years and warned that his country would defend itself if leaders of the Economic Community of West African States, carry out their threat to use force to flush out the coupists from Niamey.
This announcement came as thousands of volunteers stormed the General Seyni Kountche Stadium, Saturday, in response to calls by the military for them to register as civilian auxiliaries, perhaps, in readiness for a potential attack by ECOWAS forces.
In a nationally televised address, General Tchiani, who toppled President Mohamed Bazoum and seized power in a coup on July 26, 2023, proposed a return to democracy within three years. He said “nor the people of Niger want war and remain open to dialogue,” and consequently, the junta remain open to dialogue.
According to CNN, Tchiani said the principles of the transition would be decided within the next 30 days as part of a national dialogue to be hosted by the junta, and the transition itself “should last no longer than three years.”
The dialogue, he continued, would define “national priorities” and “call for fundamental values to guide the rebuilding” of the West African country.
The junta took power in late July, seizing Bazoum – who had been elected democratically in 2021 in a relatively peaceful transfer of power – and shutting down national institutions.
