ECOWAS rejects Niger’s three-year transition plan

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the Nigerien coup leader’s plan to lead the country for three years before restoring civilian rule.

The organisation’s political commissioner, Abdel-Fatau Musa, said the timetable was unacceptable.

On Saturday, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani said a national dialogue was needed to lay the foundations for a new political order in Niger.

Ecowas has threatened military action to restore the ousted president.

Crowds have again rallied in the capital, Niamey, in support of the coup.

But correspondents say others opposed to the military takeover are afraid to public express their views.