Coup: Niger junta reveals date for handing over to civilian govt

Leader of the Niger junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has disclosed that the army will hand over power to the civilian government in the country within the next three years.

Tchiani stated this in a televised broadcast on Saturday night.

He spoke after meeting with a delegation of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) led by the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).

General Tchiani noted that within a month, the junta would form a committee to study and form the new constitution for the country.

While stressing that Niger had no intention to go to war, the military dictator said the county would defend itself if the need arises.

He, however, added that the negotiation door was still open.

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ECOWAS is yet to react to the speech of the junta leader as at press time.

Abdulsalami is expected to brief the regional bloc on the outcome of the meeting.