Abdourahmane Tiani, the self-declared head of state of Niger Republic following a recent coup, has announced that the country will transition to civilian rule within a span of three years. Tiani addressed the nation in a televised speech late Saturday night.
The coup leader outlined that the transition principles would be established within the next 30 days through a dialogue hosted by the junta. Tiani emphasized that their intention is not to cling to power and assured that the transition period will not extend beyond three years. He urged political parties to submit their visions for the transition within the given timeframe.
In his address, Tiani expressed concerns about the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) allegedly preparing for military intervention, collaborating with foreign forces to set up an occupying army. He criticized the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS as “illegal” and “inhuman.”
While Tiani emphasized the country’s readiness for dialogue, he cautioned that any intervention could lead to complex consequences and should be approached with caution.
Earlier, ECOWAS had dispatched a delegation that included Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former head of state of Nigeria, and other officials to Niger to engage with the coup leaders and the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. The delegation aimed to find a peaceful solution to the crisis, with discussions centered around resolving the ongoing situation.
Despite ECOWAS defense chiefs announcing their preparedness for military intervention, the security council maintained its preference for a diplomatic approach to address the crisis in Niger.
Tiani’s announcement of a clear timeline for a transition to civilian rule reflects his intention to restore stability and governance in the country, while his concerns about potential intervention indicate the challenges involved in navigating the current political landscape.