Niger junta pledges return to democracy in 3 years, as Western African allies vow to reverse coup

The leader of last month’s coup gave the government 30 days to define a framework for a return to democracy after a transition that ‘cannot exceed 3 years’

Ecowas said it’s still hoping to solve the crisis in Niger by diplomatic means, but it stands ready to apply force to overturn the July 26 coup if talks fail

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Volunteers gather near General Seyni Kountche Stadium in Niamey on August 19 responding to the call from several organisations to be registered as civilian auxiliaries to potentially mobilise in support of the armed forces. Photo: AFP

Bloomberg

Published: 8:53am, 20 Aug 2023Updated: 9:07am, 20 Aug 2023

Niger’s self-declared military leader on Saturday proposed a return to democracy within three years.

General Abourahamane Tiani, the leader of last month’s coup, said he had given the government 30 days to define a framework for a return to democracy after a transition that “cannot exceed three years.”

The developments come after the West African regional bloc, while still hoping to solve the crisis in Niger by diplomatic means, said it stands ready to apply force to overturn the July 26 coup if talks fail.

A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) arrived in Niger on Saturday to meet with the country’s military leaders and ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Niger’s new military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani, reading a statement stating a transition of power would not go beyond three years. Photo: ORTN/Télé Sahel/AFP

Kathleen Fitzgibbons has arrived in Niamey to lead the US mission in Niger, the US State Department said on Saturday. Fitzgibbons, a career diplomat with extensive experience in Africa, will “bolster efforts to help resolve the political crisis at this critical time.”