Niger junta's 3-year transition plan is a 'provocation,' says West African regional bloc
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the proposal by Niger's mutinous soldiers for a three-year transition to democratic rule. Ecowas has described the slow timeline as a provocation and stated that the coup in Niger is one coup too many for the region. While direct talks and negotiations are ongoing, ECOWAS has made it clear that it will not engage in prolonged haggling with the military officers. The bloc has imposed sanctions and threatened military force if President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated. The situation remains tense, and the risk of conflict is high.