Niger Junta Leader Defies ECOWAS, Says Transition to Civilian Rule in 3 Years

Tchiani’s announcement was made during a televised broadcast on Saturday night, following a meeting with a delegation from ECOWAS led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retired).

In his statement, General Tchiani declared that the junta would establish a committee within the next month to study and draft a new constitution for the nation. While emphasizing Niger’s reluctance to engage in warfare, he asserted that the country would take measures to defend itself if circumstances demanded. Additionally, he underscored the junta’s willingness to engage in negotiations.

The response from ECOWAS to the junta leader’s address is pending, and it’s anticipated that Abdulsalami will brief the regional bloc about the meeting’s outcomes.