Niger’s military ruler, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, has been officially sworn in as the country’s president for a transitional period of five years.
Tchiani has led Niger since 2023 after overthrowing the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
The coup was justified by the junta as a response to ongoing jihadist attacks, a challenge the country has faced for years. Niger’s military takeover followed similar coups in neighboring Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, all of which are now under junta rule.
All four nations have cut ties with their former colonial power, France, and have established new alliances with Russia. Additionally, except for Guinea, they have withdrawn from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS.
On Wednesday, March 26, Tchiani assumed the presidency under a newly implemented charter, which replaces the previous constitution. Alongside his inauguration, he was elevated to the highest military rank of army general and signed a decree dissolving all political parties.
Speaking at the ceremony in Niamey, the capital, Tchiani acknowledged his promotion, stating: “I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me.”
The transition to democratic rule aligns with recommendations from a commission that conducted national consultations. However, the five-year transition period outlined in the new charter is described as “flexible” and subject to change based on the country’s security situation.
Niger’s relationship with ECOWAS deteriorated after the junta initially proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule following the coup. ECOWAS rejected the plan as a “provocation” and initially threatened military intervention before later backing down.
Meanwhile, Tchiani’s administration is prosecuting former President Bazoum on charges of high treason and threatening national security. Bazoum remains detained in the presidential palace with his wife, while his son was granted provisional release in January.
