LAGOS: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared the call by Niger’s coup leaders for a three-year transition period back to democracy as “unacceptable.” General Abdourahamane Tiani, who assumed power after the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, had announced that the transition would not extend beyond three years.
The comments were made following a visit by an ECOWAS delegation to Niger, aiming to engage in diplomatic efforts before deciding on potential military actions against the new rulers.
Speaking in an interview broadcast on Monday on the Al Jazeera channel, Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Politics and Security, firmly stated, “The three-year transition is unacceptable. We want constitutional order to be restored as soon as possible.”
Possible Intervention in Niger
In a televised address on Saturday, General Tiani accused ECOWAS of planning to attack Niger by establishing an occupying force in collaboration with an unspecified foreign army. He warned that any potential attack against them would not be as straightforward as some might assume.
ECOWAS leaders have been increasingly concerned as Niger becomes the fourth West African nation since 2020 to undergo a coup, following similar incidents in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. The bloc’s response involves activating a “standby force” as a last resort to reinstate democracy in Niger. While diplomatic efforts are still being pursued, ECOWAS has expressed its readiness to take action.
However, specific intervention details and timelines have not yet been disclosed.
The coup has raised broader international apprehensions about the escalating instability in the Sahel region. This area faces mounting challenges from militant insurgencies.
