Hundreds of coup sympathizers rallied in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Sunday to show their support for the military dictatorship.
Protesters waving Niger and Russian flags voiced solidarity with the military who deposed Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, last month.
It came after the military commander, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, issued a warning against any outside intervention on Saturday.
He also declared a three-year transition plan and stated that the transition principles would be discussed in 30 days at a “dialogue” sponsored by the coup leaders.
Gen Tchiani said in a televised statement shortly after meeting a peace delegation from the West African regional organization, Ecowas, that the country does not seek a conflict but will defend itself against any foreign intrusion.
He condemned the Ecowas sanctions placed on the country, claiming that they were not intended to find a solution but rather to “bring us to our knees and humiliate us.”
It was another act of defiance, as Ecowas mediators attended peace talks with junta leaders in a last-ditch diplomatic effort to resolve the political crisis.
Ecowas has stated that its standby force is prepared to intervene if peaceful efforts to resolve the conflict fail.
