The leader of the Niger Republic Military junta, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, has declared that he and his lieutenants will be ready for war if possible.
He made this known on Saturday in response to ECOWAS threat of military action, noting that his country does not want war, but will be ready to defend itself if necessary.
In his words:
“Neither the army nor the people of Niger want war, but we will resist any manifestation of it,” Tchiani said.
He was quoted as saying by the Al Jazeera broadcaster that ECOWAS member countries do not realise that Niger has become the key to containing the region from destabilisation against the backdrop of increased terrorist activity.
He bemoaned the sanctions imposed against his country, noting that they were aimed at putting pressure on the rebels, and not at finding a solution to the current situation.
Tchiani while justifying the military action in the country, said they do not seek to seize power in the country but rather seek to come to a solution that would meet the interests of the people.
