PHOTO: Niger’s new military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani reading a statement on national television on August 19, 2023. © ORTN-Télé Sahel, AFP
SOURCE: France 24
Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani – who took power after army officers toppled president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 – said in a televised address on Saturday night that a transition to civilian rule happen within three years.
An ECOWAS delegation earlier on Saturday met with Bazoum in the presence of the military-appointed prime minister, Ali Zeine, and a member of the junta. Follow FRANCE 24 for live updates. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).
General Abdourahmane Tiani gave no details on the plan, saying on state television only that the principles for the transition would be decided within 30 days at a dialogue to be hosted by the junta.
“I am convinced that … we will work together to find a way out of the crisis, in the interests of all,” Tiani said, commenting after his first meeting with a regional delegation seeking to resolve the West African nation’s crisis.