Guinea’s military leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has announced a 39-month transition before the West African nation returns to civilian rule. The proposal tabled by the military junta is likely to upset West Africa’s political and regional associations that have demanded a return to the usual constitutional democratic order.

The announcement was made via state television on Saturday where Mamady Doumbouya stated that the decision was per political consultations. This is the first time he has proposed a tentative timeline. Colonel Doumbouya added that the measure would be subjected to the National Transitional Council – an 80-member body, which is the acting parliament.

“From all consultations at all levels since the beginning of the transition, with all groups of society, from all Guineans wherever they are, the median proposal that emerged is a transition of 39 months. The CNRD [National Rally and Development Committee, ed.] and the government will submit to the CNT [National Transition Council, ed.], acting like a parliament, this proposal that followed long and patient consultations”, said Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, head of Guinea’s military junta.

The military leader also created what he calls an “inclusive consultation framework” in April.

The National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), a coalition of political parties and civil society organizations, condemned the plan.