Niger's junta is poised to stay in power for five more years if it accepts a plan which also does not bar the country's ruling generals from running in any future election. A "national convention" including 716 civil and military participants was asked to draft a new charter outlining the terms of the handover of power back to civilians following the July 2023 coup that ousted democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum. “This is a new process, bearing a reasonable hope for a new beginning that offers our country, so I solemnly commit to realise this hope,” says junta chief, General Abdourahamane Tiani -- who will have the final say on the proposal. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES