Niger’s Military Ruler Vows Short Transition, Warns Attackers

NIAMEY: A transition of power in Niger, according to the country’s new military ruler, will not last more than three years. He also warned that any attack on the nation “will not be the walk in the park” for those involved.

In a televised speech, General Abdourahamane Tiani stated, “Our goal is not to seize power.” He stated that any change in leadership “will not last beyond three years” and added that if an attack were to be launched, “it will not be the stroll in the park some people seem to think.”

After meeting with deposed president Mohamed Bazoum in an effort to make one last diplomatic push before deciding whether to take military action against the Niger’s new military rulers, a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar, issued the warning.

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The ECOWAS defence chiefs had a meeting last week to finalise plans for a possible military operation in the event that talks with Niger’s military leadership fall through.

On the other hand, thousands of people showed up to protest the military coup on Sunday in Niamey. They shouted anti-ECOWAS and anti-France, the former colonial power, chants.

Although the Sahel state’s new military rulers have officially outlawed protests, in reality those in favour of the coup are still permitted to hold them.

The protesters carried signs that read “Stop the military intervention” and “No to sanctions,” in reference to the trade and financial sanctions put in place by ECOWAS four days after the July 26 coup.