A full-scale war is imminent in Niger Republic as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has rejected the three-year transition plan proposed by Niger Republic’s military junta.
It will be recalled that the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, had at a meeting with ECOWAS delegation, led by General Abadulsalami Abubakar, retd, in Niamey on Saturday, promised to return the West African nation to civilian rule within three years.
Reacting to the development, Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, told BBC in an interview, yesterday, that the proposal was unacceptable to ECOWAS, setting the ground for a military operation.
“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.
“military aspect is very much on”.
“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, he warned.
In a televised address on Saturday evening, the junta leader who headed the presidential guard before seizing power on 26 July, said that Niger did not want a 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 also reiterated criticism of what he called the “illegal and inhumane” sanctions imposed by Ecowas on the landlocked country.
This has included cutting electricity, resulting in blackouts in Niamey and other major cities, as well as blocking crucial imports.
Lorry drivers have been stuck 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,” Gen Tchiani said.
He further 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 destabilising the whole region”.
Meanwhile, thousands of Nigeriens flooded the streets yesterday declaring support for the military junta.
This is even as Pope Francis yesterday canvassed a diplomatic solution to the political crisis.
The demonstrators chanted slogans hostile to former colonial power, France and especially ECOWAS, which is considering a potential military operation to reinstate elected President Mohamed Bazoum if ongoing negotiations with coup leaders fail.
Similarly, 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 starting, the Reuters news agency reports.
