Pope Francis is calling for peace in Niger Republic and also gave away a key hint that ECOWAS was forging allegiances with an unamed foreign army.
The Pope is calling for a diplomatic solution to Niger’s political crisis, which was triggered by a coup that threatens regional stability on Sunday.
“I am concerned about what is happening in Niger and join the bishops’ call for peace in the country and stability in the Sahel, Pope Francis said after his Angelus prayer, addressing the faithful in St Peter’s Square.
“I join with prayer the international community’s efforts to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of everyone,” the 86-year-old stated.
On July 26, military personnel deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, making Niger the fourth West African country to suffer a coup since 2020.
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Meanwhile, Niger’s new military ruler declared on Saturday that the transition of power would be limited to three years, and that any attack on the country would be difficult for those involved.
“Our ambition is not to seize power,” declared General Abdourahamane Tiani in a televised speech. Any power transition “would not last more than three years, he claimed.
“If an attack is launched against us, it will not be the walk in the park that some people seem to believe,” he warned.
Also, he stated that “ECOWAS is preparing to attack Niger by establishing an occupying army in collaboration with a foreign army,” without specifying which country he was referring to.
