General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who led Niger’s 2023 military coup, has been sworn in as the country’s president for a five-year transitional period. The ceremony took place on Wednesday in the capital, Niamey, under a new national charter that replaces Niger’s previous constitution.
Tchiani, who has ruled since deposing elected President Mohamed Bazoum, was also promoted to the highest military rank of army general. As part of his new authority, he signed a decree ordering the dissolution of all political parties.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Tchiani acknowledged his new position and military rank, stating, “I receive this distinction with great humility... I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me.”
The new charter allows flexibility in the five-year transition period, depending on the country’s security situation. Niger has long struggled with jihadist attacks, which military leaders cited as a key reason for seizing power. The coup in Niger followed similar military takeovers in neighboring Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.
Since coming to power, Niger’s military rulers have severed ties with former colonial power France and aligned more closely with Russia. Alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger has also withdrawn from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS.
ECOWAS initially condemned the coup and rejected the junta’s proposal for a three-year transition to democratic rule, calling it a “provocation” and even threatening military intervention. However, the regional bloc later backed down from those threats.
Meanwhile, Tchiani’s administration is prosecuting former President Bazoum on charges of high treason and undermining national security. Bazoum remains detained in the presidential palace along with his wife, while his son was granted provisional release in January.
According to Niger’s state-run news agency ANP, Tchiani emphasized that the new charter aligns with traditional constitutions while introducing “unprecedented measures” to safeguard the country’s natural resources. He stated that these measures would ensure that Nigeriens benefit more from their nation’s wealth.
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