By Kamil Opeyemi
The AbdouRahamane Tchiani led military junta in Niger has demanded for a minimum of three years for it to return the country to democracy.
The junta stated this when it’s team met the team of negotiators sent by the Economic Community of West Africa.
The team was led by Nigeria’s former head of state General AbdulSalami Abubakar (rtd).
“Our ambition is not to confiscate power. Transition period will not exceed three years; meanwhile, political parties are urged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days. There’s availability for any dialogue, provided that it takes into account the aspirations of the people of Niger.
“However, any intervention will open a Pandora’s Box and will not be a walk in the park,” he said.
Delegates of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held meetings with the junta leader on Saturday as part of efforts to diplomatically resolve the military takeover of power in Niger.
The delegates also met with the deposed president of the country Mohamed Bazoum, on Saturday.
The meeting with the junta was the first of its sort which was allowed by the military rulers.
Earlier overtures to the junta had been rebuffed as the government said any attempt to force an end to the military rule would be met with resistance.