Pope Francis intervenes as ECOWAS rejects Niger junta’s transition period. The Vatican’s Pope Francis has appealed for peace, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has rejected the Niger junta’s three-year power transfer plan.
During an interview with the BBC on Sunday, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, declared that the ECOWAS cannot accept the transition plan provided by the Abdourahmane Tchiani-led military junta in the Niger Republic.
Tchiani said on Saturday that he will step down in three years and cautioned that any involvement by foreign troops would not be easy.
Read also JUST IN: Niger Coup leader Tchiani finally agrees to negotiate with ECOWAS
“Our ambition is not to confiscate power,” he said in a televised address carried by Tele Sahel. The transition phase will not be more than three years; in the meanwhile, political parties are invited to present their transition vision within 30 days.
“Any dialogue is welcome, as long as it takes into account the aspirations of the people of Niger.” Any action, however, will open a Pandora’s Box and will not be easy.”