Abdourahmane Tchiani-led military junta in the Niger Republic has warned the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States led by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, that his Government will shock them if they attempt to intervene in his country by force. 

ECOWAS had through its Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah rejected the three years transition program outlined by the junta. 

The Commissioner stated that the ECOWAs cannot accept the transition plan proposed by the Abdourahmane Tchiani-led military junta in the Niger Republic.

Tchiani had said he would relinquish power within three years and warned that any intervention by foreign forces would not be a walk in the park.

Quoting his words, he stated that , “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 over" he concluded .

But 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.”

Meanwhile, many important personalities around the globe have advised that the parties embrace the path of peace. Pope Francis of the Vatican in his sermon has called for peace. Pope Francis   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.”

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.