NIAMEY: Niger’s junta-appointed prime minister has hoped to reach an agreement with the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has warned to use force to restore democracy after a coup in July, western media reported on Monday.
Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine talking to journalists in Niamey said engagement with ECOWACS has not been stopped, hoping for a deal with the group in near future.
ECOWAS — the Economic Community of West African States — has put Niger under sanctions after the military on July 26 outed Mohamed Bazoum, the country’s democratically-elected president.
It has also threated of military intervention to restore Bazoum’s government if the peaceful efforts to resolve the crisis fail.
Niger fully prepared to repulse any attack
Zeine expressing his views said they are fully prepared to repulse any attack adding that would be an unfair war. He maintained they are resolute to protect ourselves if there is an attack.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is also the incumbent chairman of ECOWAS has suggested a nine-month period to bring back democratic order in Niger.
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On the other hand, Algeria, Niger’s northern neighbor, has proposed a six-month transition period.
The military rulers have not responded to the suggestions so far, as previously they had spoken of a three-year transition time.
