Despite the threat of military intervention and the economic sanctions decided by ECOWAS, the new Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, appointed by the putschists, declared Monday that he had “good hope of reaching an understanding” with the Community economy of West African States within “a few days”.
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The Prime Minister appointed by the military who took power in Niger affirmed, Monday September 4, that his country had “good hope of reaching an agreement”, within “a few days”, with the West African states which brandish the threat of armed intervention.
“We have not stopped exchanges with ECOWAS [la Communaute economique des Etats d’Afrique de l’Ouest, NDLR], we continue the discussions. We are hopeful of reaching an agreement in a few days,” Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said at a press conference in Niamey.
See alsoMarc-Antoine Perouse de Montclos: in Niger, “the putschists play on the nationalist fiber”
Since the coup d’etat of July 26, ECOWAS has maintained a constant position: the military authorities must “restore constitutional order immediately” by freeing the deposed president Mohamed Bazoum and reinstating him in office.
“We are determined to defend ourselves”
The West African organization has repeatedly threatened armed intervention and imposed heavy economic sanctions on Niger.
“We expect to be attacked at any time. All arrangements have been made. It would be an unjust war. We are determined to defend ourselves, if ever there is an attack,” declared Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
On Thursday, the President of Nigeria, also head of ECOWAS, however opened the door to a possible short transition period. He cited as an example the nine-month transition that was implemented in his country in 1999, seeing “no reason why this could not happen again in Niger, if the military authorities are sincere.”
With AFP
Source: France 24
