Niger's regional leaders approve junta-led transition plan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Aug 2023 21:24
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In a joint declaration, the leaders said they "give our firm support of the actions announced by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland for a successful transition."

Motorists drive past the National Assembly in Niamey on August 7, 2023. (AFP)

The Association of Municipalities of Niger (AMN) and the Association of Regions of Niger (ARENI) which represent 262 territorial entities said in a joint statement on Saturday that they declare their support to the junta-led transition.

In their declaration, they said they give their "firm support of the actions announced by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland for a successful transition."

The document was co-signed by AMN President Abdou Ouhou Dodo and ARENI President Anacko Mohamed.

Both expressed their condemnation of the sanctions unfairly imposed on Niger by ECOWAS.

According to them, the sanctions have exacerbated the already existing security and poverty issues that have been plaguing the country.

The latest updates on the situation in Niger reveal that the Chief of Staff in Niger, Moussa Salaou Barmou, appointed by the military junta, ordered the country's armed forces to be put on high alert.

"Upon receipt of this message, all forces must be put on high alert," he said in a message broadcast on public radio on Friday evening.

Barmou explained that the decision was taken against the backdrop of increasingly concrete threats of aggression against Niger "to avoid public surprise, as well as to ensure an appropriate response."

On Friday, Nigerien authorities issued an ultimatum for the French ambassador to depart within 48 hours.

In a statement released that day, Niger's Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that the decision to expel French Ambassador Sylvain Itte was prompted by a series of perceived provocations by the French government.

Notably, the refusal of the French ambassador to engage in a scheduled meeting with the minister and other actions that were deemed contrary to Niger's interests led to this drastic diplomatic measure.