Niger coup leader proposes three-year transition, as junta supporters overwhelm call for civilian volunteers

The leader of Niger's recent coup, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, has proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule after meeting with a delegation of West African leaders. He warned that any attack on the country would not be easy for those involved. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed severe sanctions on Niger and ordered the deployment of a standby force to restore constitutional rule. ECOWAS has taken a harder stance on Niger's coup than on previous ones in the region. The coup leaders have rebuffed previous missions, but this time they met with the ECOWAS delegation. The United States and the United Nations are also involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, residents of Niamey are preparing to fight back against a potential ECOWAS military intervention. Analysts say the military has not fully controlled the country, and there are reports of discontent and discord within the ranks. The political turmoil has strengthened the hand of armed groups in the Sahel region, as military operations have been suspended, allowing them to carry out attacks.