The Prime Minister appointed by the military forces that have seized power in Niger says his country is "confident of reaching an agreement" within "a few days" with the Economic Community of West African States despite the threat of armed intervention by the regional body.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Niamey, Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine also said talks were underway on a withdrawal of French forces stationed in the country under previous agreements.
“We have not stopped talks with ECOWAS," Prime Minister Zeine said. “We are confident of reaching an agreement in a few days' time."
Since the coup d'état on 26 July, ECOWAS has maintained that the military authorities must "restore constitutional order immediately" by releasing and reinstating deposed president Mohamed Bazoum. The West African organisation has repeatedly brandished the threat of armed intervention and imposed heavy economic sanctions on Niger.
"We expect to be attacked at any time,” Mr. Zeine said on Monday. “All the necessary steps have been taken. It would be an unjust war. We are determined to defend ourselves if ever there is an attack."
On Thursday, the President of neighbouring Nigeria, who also heads ECOWAS, opened the door to a possible short transition period. He cited the example of the nine-month transition that took place in his country in 1999, saying that he saw "no reason why it cannot be repeated in Niger, if the military authorities are sincere."
Mr. Zeine also said at Monday’s press conference that exchanges were underway to ensure that French forces based in the country withdraw "quickly," although he expressed the hope that cooperation could be maintained with France.
Recalling that Niger’s government had denounced military agreements with Paris, the Prime Minister said the French forces "are in an illegal position."
"The exchanges that are underway should very quickly allow these forces to withdraw," he said. "What interests us is, if possible, to maintain cooperation with a country with which we have shared a great many things."
