Nigeria's President Tinubu calls for nine-month transition in Niger Coup

Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, has proposed a nine-month transitional period for the Niger junta to restore civilian rule.

According to BBC.com this suggestion draws inspiration from the successful example set by former Nigerian military ruler Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, who oversaw a nine-month junta leadership that ultimately paved the way for Nigeria's return to democratic governance in 1999.

President Tinubu, who also serves as the current chairman of the West African bloc Ecowas, emphasized that the Nigerian model has proven highly successful, leading the nation into a new era of democratic governance.

In a statement from the presidency, he stated, "The president sees no reason why such cannot be replicated in Niger if Niger’s military authorities are sincere."

It is worth noting that the Niger junta had previously declared a three-year transition period, a move that was met with rejection by Ecowas.

President Tinubu conveyed these thoughts while hosting a group of Islamic leaders who have undertaken two separate diplomatic missions to Niger for discussions with the junta. He expressed his gratitude to them for their efforts and highlighted the importance of their continued engagement in resolving the crisis.

"I must thank you for your several visits to Niger Republic, but you will still have to go back. My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copycats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped," President Tinubu remarked, underlining the urgency of addressing the situation.

Ecowas has maintained sanctions on Niger as a means to pressure the junta into making "positive adjustments."

NAY