The leader of the mutineers who seized power in Niger, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, has announced that the military will return the country to civilian rule within three years.
Speaking on national television, Tchiani revealed that the transitional guidelines will be defined within 30 days in a dialog to be conducted by the coup leadership.
"I am convinced that we will work together to find a way out of the crisis, in the interests of all," the general said, adding that the various political parties will present their vision of the transition.
Tchiani argued that the military has no ambition to "confiscate power" and that the new military government in Niger is ready for any dialog, "provided the interests of the people of Niger are taken into account."
In addition, the leader pointed out that neither the army nor the people of Niger want war, but are ready to defend their country.
He remarked that member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have failed to realize that Niger has become pivotal in containing the region from destabilization amidst increased terrorist activities.
Tchiani added that the sanctions imposed on his country are meant to put pressure on the rebels, not to seek a solution to the situation.
On Saturday, media reported that an ECOWAS delegation arrived in the Nigerien capital Niamey and met with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to review his detention terms. Later the delegation reportedly held talks with Tchiani.
In early August, at a summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja, ECOWAS leaders agreed to deploy a reserve force to pressure the Nigerien military to restore Bazoum.
On Friday, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel-Fatau Musah announced that the bloc's chiefs of general staff had agreed on a date to launch the military intervention.