Talks between representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Niger military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani have collapsed.
In an interview with BBC on Sunday, August 20, Abdel-Fatau Musa, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, revealed that General Tchiani's proposal for a three-year transitional period was strongly rejected by the regional organization. Musa emphasized that ECOWAS is unwilling to accept an extended transition in the area and urged a swift transfer of power. He also stressed the importance of the military focusing on their duty of safeguarding Niger's territorial integrity.
General Tchiani, in a televised address on national TV the previous Saturday, announced his military government's intention to hand over authority to a civilian administration after three years. He conveyed that while Niger prefers peace, it remains prepared to defend itself if necessary, signaling a reluctance for conflict.
Pope Francis shared a message from the Vatican during his Sunday Service sermon, appealing for peace in the Republic of Niger. He encouraged all involved parties to seek a peaceful resolution, underscoring his support for international efforts in this direction.
A further development involves the Niger junta's decision on Thursday, August 3, 2023, to sever diplomatic ties with Nigeria, Togo, France, and the United States of America (USA). Despite Nigeria's recent diplomatic involvement, there has been no immediate response from the affected countries. Notably, an ECOWAS delegation, headed by former military head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar, returned to Nigeria without meeting with the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
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