Niger's de facto president, Abdourahamane Tchiani, who assumed power following a coup last month, has announced his intention to establish a transitional government that will oversee the country's affairs for a period of up to three years.
Tchiani revealed this plan during a televised address, emphasizing the need for stability and development within Niger.
Central to Tchiani's proposal is the establishment of a "comprehensive national dialogue" within the next 30 days, where all Nigeriens will be consulted.
This dialogue is intended to form the foundation for a new constitution, with Tchiani emphasizing that the decision-making process would be free from external influences.
He stressed the importance of shaping Niger's future through domestic discourse and consensus-building.
However, Tchiani's ambitions for a peaceful transition face challenges on both domestic and international fronts.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed concern over the disruption of constitutional order in Niger and has indicated its defense chiefs are devising an intervention plan if the situation does not stabilize.
While a potential intervention date has been discussed within ECOWAS, it has not been made public.
In response, Niger's new leadership, in collaboration with Mali and Burkina Faso – both countries also under military rule after recent coups – has outlined a defense strategy with concrete measures.
This strategy comes into play if ECOWAS decides to resort to military action.
The three nations, bound by a shared regional concern, appear prepared to address the possibility of external intervention.
The coup in Niger on July 26 had led ECOWAS to demand the restoration of constitutional order and the release of the detained president, Bazoum, who remains under house arrest.
While emphasizing the preference for a peaceful resolution, ECOWAS has underscored that military intervention remains a last resort.
Adding his voice to the calls for peace, Pope Francis addressed the situation in Niger during a Sunday address in St. Peter's Square, expressing his hope for a peaceful solution to the crisis.
The Pope stated, "I join the bishops' appeal for peace in the country and stability in the Sahel region."
He also pledged his prayers and support for the international efforts aimed at swiftly resolving the situation for the well-being of all.
Niger, with a population of approximately 26 million, is among the world's poorest nations.
Prior to the coup, it had been a democratic partner for the United States and Europe in the Sahel region, situated on the southern edge of the Sahara.