APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr Omar Touray, has said that ECOWAS has not declared war on the people of Niger nor is there any plan to invade the country.
Dr Touray told a news conference on Friday in Abuja that the 36-month transition plan announced by the Brig.-Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani-led junta to restore constitutional order in Niger was “unacceptable”.
“Even now, it is not too late for the military to reconsider its action and listen to the voice of reason as the regional leaders will not condone a coup d’etat,” Touray said.
According to him, the real issue is the determination of ECOWAS to halt the spiral of coup d’etats in the region.”
However, ECOWAS leaders are negotiating with the military administrations in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, which are all working towards transitions to democracy after their own coups.
And Niger’s new rulers have assured that they remain open to negotiations, but they have sent mixed messages, including a threat to charge Bazoum with treason.
It was gathered that Niger’s military leaders have also warned against any intervention, accusing ECOWAS of preparing an occupying force in league with an unnamed foreign country and that the junta had on Thursday agreed with the military authorities in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso to let their troops into its territory in case of aggression.
But the ECOWAS President dismissed plans for ECOWAS “declaring war” or an “invasion” of Niger, insisting that the standby mission would be a legitimate force allowed under ECOWAS statures agreed by members.
“The instruments include the use of force. So it is very much on the table, as are other measures we are working on.
“If peaceful means fail, ECOWAS cannot just fold its hands,” he said.
GIK/APA