Niger Junta Rejects ECOWAS Demand to Free Detained Former President

Niger’s military leader has refused a demand by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to release the country’s deposed president in exchange for sanctions being lifted.

On Sunday, ECOWAS leaders met with the region, and once again joined local and international partners in calling for the junta to release Mr. Bazoum.

It also demanded the junta shorten its planned transition to civilian rule, which currently stands at three years.

ECOWAS did not say what would be considered an acceptable transition period.

Later in the day, Niger Military Leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani told state broadcaster RTN that Mr. Bazoum would not be released.

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Gen Tchiani did agree to reduce the transition period but did not say how much.

In response to the general’s address, ECOWAS on Monday said it would maintain its sanctions on Niger.

However, it said it would create a committee to work with Niger’s junta on establishing a transition roadmap, and based on the outcome of those talks, sanctions would gradually be eased.

On 19 October Mr. Bazoum, his family, cooks, and security tried to escape confinement via helicopter – but they were stopped.