The Economic Community of West African States on Thursday debunked the transitional proposal for the Republic of Niger as fake.

The viral report stated that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, also head of the West Africa bloc ECOWAS, on Thursday suggested a nine-month transition back to democracy for Niger’s new regime as Nigeria had done in the 1990s following military rule.

But in a communique by the Commission via its X handle, it condemned the reports as fake news.

The bloc also condemned the report which was in French language and making rounds on Agence France-Presse platforms as fake.

The statement read, “The ECOWAS Commission’s attention has been drawn to a report of a so-called ECOWAS proposed transition timeframe for Niger.

“The report, which is in French and supposedly carried by AFP, is false and should be treated as fake news.

“The demand of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government is clear: the military authorities in Niger must restore constitutional order immediately by liberating and reinstating H.E. Excellency President Mohamed Bazoum”