2023-12-23 04:52:30
Last week, following a meeting with Nigerien authorities, a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the leadership of Togo declared that the two parties agreed “ content and timing » of the Nigerien transition. RFI can already reveal information from the first discussions.
Published on: 12/23/2023 – 05:52
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With our regional correspondent, Serge Daniel
The most heated discussions revolved around the duration of the transition. The Nigerien junta unilaterally, shortly after the coup, spoke of a transition of around three years.
But after the last talks between the delegation of the ECOWAS and the transitional authorities of Niger, we are now expecting a transition of 15 to 18 months, according to sources at the heart of the mediation. Relatives of Tinubu ballPresident of Nigeria and current President of ECOWAS confirm: the document received after the first stay in Niamey of the dispatched delegation indicates that discussions now revolve around such a transition.
Concerning the gradual lifting of sanctions, the release of President Mohamed Bazoum is demanded by ECOWAS. The Nigerien junta is no longer closed to discussion at all. But if there is release of Mohamed Bazoum, said Niamey, it is better that he stays in Niger. An opinion which is not shared by the ECOWAS emissaries who wish it to be, “ preferably outside ».
Official discussions will continue in January 2024. In the meantime, it cannot be ruled out that Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, who recently discreetly visited Niamey, will return to advance the negotiations.
Read also ECOWAS officially acknowledges the coup d’état in Niger and wants to initiate discussions
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