In a bold assertion, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Niger’s junta has accused ECOWAS and an undisclosed foreign military of plotting an imminent invasion of Niger.
Speaking in a broadcast on national television, General Tiani stated that the junta had no intention of holding onto power for an extended period and emphasized that any power transition would not surpass three years.
However, he delivered a stark warning, asserting, “If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think.”.”
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In a revelation that sent shockwaves, General Tiani proclaimed, “ECOWAS is getting ready to attack Niger by setting up an occupying army in collaboration with a foreign army.”
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He notably omitted naming the foreign nation involved. This claim coincided with the presence of an ECOWAS delegation, which had rushed to Niger for a final diplomatic push before determining whether military intervention against the junta was on the table.
They met ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held with his family at the president’s official residence since officers from his personal guard deposed him and seized power on July 26.
It followed ECOWAS defense chiefs’ strategic discussions to iron out the details of a potential military operation aimed at restoring President Bazoum in case ongoing negotiations with the junta hit a dead-end.
General Tiani also vehemently condemned what he labeled “unlawful” and “inhumane” sanctions imposed by ECOWAS against Niger following the military takeover. He also announced a forthcoming 30-day period of “national dialogue” meant to generate “practical proposals” for ushering in “a renewed constitutional order.“
