Niger's National Conference has submitted a proposal to return the country to non-military rule after a five-year transition period during which the current military government will stay in power.

A conference held on Wednesday in the Republic of Niger has recommended that the military leadership remain in power for five years before handing over to civilian rule. While presenting the report, the chairman of the Economic and Sustainable Development Committee,

Niger's junta will stay in power for at least half a decade more if it accepts a plan presented on Thursday, which does not bar the country's ruling generals from running in any future election. Junta chief General Abdourahamane Tiani -- who will have the final say on the proposal -- proclaimed the charter's presentation as a "fresh start" for the west African nation confronted with jihadist violence.