Niger: ECOWAS Rejects Coup Leader's Transition Plan

Facts

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected a power transition plan proposed by Niger's military junta following a meeting between the new Nigerian leaders and representatives of the regional bloc.¹
• Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah told BBC on Sunday that ECOWAS will not accept "any prolonged transition again in the region" and called on the junta to hand over power within the shortest possible time while warning that the "military aspect is very much on."²
• This comes after Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani suggested a three-year transition of power at Saturday's talks in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, warning that any intervention by foreign forces would not be "a walk in the park."³
• In a televised address, Tchiani said the junta's goal wasn't to "confiscate power" and announced the launch of a "national dialogue" to outline concrete steps for a "new constitutional life" within a 30-day period.⁴
• Musah announced Thursday that most ECOWAS member states had agreed to commit troops for military intervention and that they were "ready" to intervene after the regional bloc decided to activate a standby force to restore constitutional rule in Niger.⁵
• Meanwhile, Niger's state television reported that the country, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, which are also under military rule, has developed a defense strategy with "concrete measures" in case ECOWAS decides to take military action.⁶

Sources: ¹TheCable, ²BBC News, ³Al Jazeera, ⁴France 24, ⁵ITN, and ⁶DW.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by RFI. The fact that ECOWAS has rejected this long "transition period" is a sign of strength, as the junta is merely trying to buy time to consolidate its power at the expense of freedom and democracy. ECOWAS and the international community must not let themselves be misled by the coup plotters and maintain pressure on the illegitimate regime. A peaceful solution to restore constitutional order in Niger would be desirable, and it's up to the junta to prevent military intervention.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Sahara Reporters. ECOWAS shouldn't allow itself to be used as a tool of US and French interests in Niger under the guise of supposedly restoring "democracy." Any military action by the regional bloc and the inhumane sanctions don't serve the interests of the Nigerien people or those of Africa, but only those of the Western powers. ECOWAS must move away from this NATO interventionist mentality and find a truly autonomous African solution to the crisis in Niger, and that solution can only be diplomatic.

Predictions