Niger’s military leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, has officially taken office as president for a five-year transitional period, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
A New Era Under Military Rule
Since orchestrating a coup in 2023 that removed elected President Mohamed Bazoum, Gen Tchiani has led the country’s military junta. On Wednesday, he was sworn in under a new charter, which replaces Niger’s constitution and solidifies his grip on power.
As part of the transition, he was elevated to the rank of army general, Niger’s highest military position. Shortly after, he signed a decree dissolving all political parties, a move that signals tighter control over governance.
“A Heavy Responsibility” – Tchiani’s Commitment
During the swearing-in ceremony in Niamey, Gen Tchiani acknowledged the weight of his new role.
“I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me,” he stated.”
The transition to democratic rule aligns with recommendations from a national dialogue commission, though the new charter leaves room for adjustments based on Niger’s security situation.
Security Concerns and Regional Tensions
Niger, like its neighbors, has been grappling with persistent jihadist attacks, one of the key justifications cited by the junta for its military takeover. The coup followed a regional trend, with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea also under military rule.
These nations have collectively distanced themselves from former colonial power France and have forged new alliances with Russia. Additionally, all except Guinea have withdrawn from ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc, amid escalating tensions.
ECOWAS Standoff and Political Fallout
Niger’s ties with ECOWAS soured when the junta initially proposed a three-year transition period, a plan the bloc rejected as a provocation. ECOWAS even threatened military intervention, though it later backed down.
Meanwhile, former President Bazoum remains detained in the presidential palace, facing charges of high treason and national security violations. His wife is still in custody, while their son was granted provisional release in January.
A Nationalist Agenda for Niger’s Resources
Gen Tchiani has framed the new charter as a way to uphold constitutional principles while introducing bold measures to ensure Niger’s natural wealth benefits its citizens.
“Our new charter includes unprecedented measures to protect our natural resources so that Nigeriens truly benefit from the exploitation of their wealth,” he stated, according to Niger’s state-run news agency, ANP.”
As Niger embarks on this controversial transition, the world watches to see how the military government will navigate internal security threats, regional tensions, and international scrutiny.
