Niger Coup Leader, Tchiani Warns Against War, Reveals Next Plan

The leader of the military coup in the Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani on Saturday said the army will hand over power to the civilian government within the next three years.

Recall that Tchiani and other presidential guards took over power democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum in July.

Tchiani while speaking in a televised broadcast on Saturday night said within a month, the junta will form a committee to study and form the new constitution of the country.

He spoke after meeting with a delegation of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) led by the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).

The coup leader further stated that Niger has no intention to go to war, adding that the country will defend itself if the need arises.

He, however, added that the door for negotiation was still open.

Tchiani said, “Our ambition is not to confiscate power,” adding that any transition of power “would not go beyond three years.”

He added, “If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think.

“ECOWAS is getting ready to attack Niger by setting up an occupying army in collaboration with a foreign army.”

In his 12-minute speech, Tchiani denounced what he called the “illegal” and “inhuman” sanctions levied by ECOWAS against Niger since the military seized power.

He also announced 30 days of “national dialogue” to draw up “concrete proposals” to lay the foundations of “a new constitutional life”.