Pope Francis of the Vatican has called for peace as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the Niger junta’s three-year power transition plan.
On Sunday, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah during an interview with the BBC stated that the ECOWAs cannot accept the transition plan proposed by the Abdourahmane Tchiani-led military junta in the Niger Republic.
Tchiani on Saturday, said he would relinquish power within three years and warned that any intervention by foreign forces would not be a walk in the park.
He stated in a televised address broadcast by Tele Sahel, “Our ambition is not to confiscate power. Transition period will not exceed three years; meanwhile, political parties are urged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days.
“There’s availability for any dialogue, provided that it takes into account the aspirations of the people of Niger. However, any intervention will open a Pandora’s Box and will not be a walk in the park.”
His warning followed the arrival of an ECOWAS delegation in the country for a dialogue before deciding on military intervention against the junta.
But in the interview, Musah said the junta must hand over in the shortest possible time.
He said “Ecowas is not accepting any prolonged transition again in the region. They just have to get ready to hand over in the shortest possible time.
“Military aspect is very much on”.
“The earlier they give power back to civilians and concentrate on their primary responsibility that is defending the territorial integrity of Niger, the better for them.”
Earlier Saturday former Military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), led a delegation of the ECOWAS to Niger in a last-ditch diplomatic effort to reach a peaceful solution with the Niger junta.
The delegation met with Prime Minister Ali Zeine who received them at the airport and led them to the presidential palace.
They later met with the ousted Niger’s president Mohamed Bazoum, after meeting the head of the junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Meanwhile, speaking Pope Francis released a message from the Vatican during his Sunday Service sermon.
The head of Catholics worldwide called for peace in the Republic of Niger and urged all parties involved to resort to a peaceful resolution.
Speaking at the St. Peter’s Square, he said: “I join with prayer the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of everyone.”
