Statement By President of Ecowas Commission After Visit to Niger

24 May 2010
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Economic Community of West African States (Abuja)
press release

Abuja - Nigeria — The President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency James Victor Gbeho has commended the military government in Niger for releasing a 12-month transition timetable that will culminate in the inauguration of a civilian President on 1st March 2011.

"This development represents a quantum leap in the journey to constitutional rule, given the concerns expressed recently by ECOWAS and other members of the international community over the duration of the military's stay in power, "he declared on Sunday, 23rd May 2010 at the end of a two-day stakeholder consultation in the country.

During the meetings with key officials of the government, including the head of the military junta, General Djibo Salou, the President further assured the government and people of Niger that ECOWAS will accompany them through this process until and beyond the installation of the new President in March 2011. Moreover, he reminded Nigeriennes of their collective responsibility to contribute towards the success of the transition and the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections. In this regard, he said the Commission will field a needs assessment mission to the country as soon as the new electoral Commission was installed in order to determine the assistance required for the successful conduct of the elections.

On the food crisis, he reiterated the determination of ECOWAS to provide additional material support to complement the $550,000 dollars already donated to the interim government to procure grains for distribution mostly to the vulnerable citizens in the country. The President was accompanied on the visit by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Mediator for Niger's political crisis, who was appointed by Heads of State and Government of the region in 2009.

During the visit, they also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister, the President of the Constitutional Court, the President of the Consultative Council, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of civil society, representatives of political parties and observers.

Read the original article on Ecowas.

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