In Niger, almost a month after the coup, an ECOWAS delegation was present on Saturday August 19 in Niamey, hoping for a diplomatic solution with the junta. But on Sunday evening, the CNSP leader spoke on national television. General Abdourahamane Tiani closed the door to any backtracking.
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With our regional correspondent, Serge Daniel
For the moment, no official reaction from ECOWAS, whose delegation must leave Niamey, this Sunday, August 20, but unofficially, we know that General Tiani’s remarks were greatly displeased. The head of the junta, in a television address, presented his roadmap: a transition of three years maximum and an inclusive national dialogue. He also said that his country would defend itself in the event of a military intervention.
” Incomprehensible », « inappropriate speech ” or ” a challenge to ECOWAS “… In the corridors of the presidential palace in the sub-region, the televised intervention of General Abdourahamane Tiani was not applauded.
A close associate of Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria and current President of ECOWAS, sweeps aside the speech of the head of the junta before specifying: “ That he is waiting for the arrival of our delegation in Niamey to make this outing is, for us, a clear indication “. Our interlocutor, a member of the team in charge of ECOWAS issues at the Nigerian presidency, adds: “ This speech will not even require talks between heads of state of the sub-region “. However, is the dialogue with Niamey over? ” We didn’t say that, but we are moving forward, we have a goal “, specifies the same source.
The speech of the head of the Niger junta also reacted in the ranks of the staffs of the armies. A senior officer asks: What are the real power relations within the Niger army itself? ? Does the whole hierarchy share this discourse ? »
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