Niger Republic’s self-declared Head of State, Abdourahmane Tiani, has warned that though he doesn’t want war, but that if their is foreign invasion, his men will fight to defend the country.
He emphasized that Niger Republic don’t want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention, if compelled to fight.
The junta leader was reacting to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which rejected the junta’s 3-year transition plan and still make military invasion as part of the option on the table.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, had announced the decision of the inter-governmental body of West African countries in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
In a late-night address on Saturday, the coup leader said that the country would return to civilian rule within three years and did not give details of the plan.
“Our ambition is not to confiscate power. Transition period will not exceed three years.
“Meanwhile, political parties are urged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days,” Tiani had said.
The junta leader spoke after meeting with an ECOWAS delegation, led by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Reacting to Tiani’s proposal, Musah said ECOWAS would no longer accept prolonged transition periods in the region.
“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.
“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.”
Musah added that the “military aspect is very much on.”
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