Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani
Source: Africa Publicity
Niger’s military ruler, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, has been sworn in as the country’s president for a transitional period of five years. This move comes after Gen Tchiani led a military coup in 2023, ousting Niger’s elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
During a ceremony in the capital, Niamey, Gen Tchiani took the presidential office under a new charter that replaces the West African country’s constitution. He was also promoted to the country’s highest military rank of army general and signed a decree ordering the dissolution of all political parties.
Gen Tchiani expressed humility in receiving his new military rank, saying, “I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me.” The transition to democratic rule is in line with recommendations made by a commission following national discussions.
The five-year transitional period is considered “flexible” depending on the country’s security status, according to the new charter. Niger has been plagued by jihadist attacks for many years, which was one of the issues cited by the junta leaders when staging their coup.
The military takeover in Niger follows a string of others in the region, with neighboring Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso also being run by juntas. All four countries have severed ties with former colonial power France and forged new alliances with Russia.
Gen Tchiani’s administration is currently prosecuting former President Bazoum on allegations of committing high treason and undermining national security. Bazoum remains in detention at the presidential palace with his wife, while their son was granted a provisional release last January.
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