Tchiani Sworn in as Niger’s Transitional President for Five Years

General Abdourahamane Tchiani has been sworn in as Niger’s transitional president for five years under a newly adopted charter. The ceremony took place on Wednesday in Niamey, the country’s capital, marking the official start of the transition process.

Tchiani, who led the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, was also promoted to the highest military rank of army general. Shortly after assuming office, he signed a decree that dissolved all political parties. This makes way for the restructuring of Niger’s political landscape.

The five-year transition follows recommendations made during a national convention held from 15 to 19 February in Niamey. The gathering brought together 716 civil and military representatives, including former ministers, legal experts, military officers, academics, religious leaders, and civil society members. A national commission, chaired by traditional leader Dr Mamoudou Harouna Djingareye, oversaw the process.

Delegates at the convention proposed a 60-month transition period, which they said could be adjusted depending on security conditions. They also recommended granting amnesty to those involved in the coup and offering concessions to soldiers convicted of attempting to overthrow past governments in the last decade.

The convention further endorsed the dissolution of existing political parties and the establishment of a new political charter. Mme Barry Bibata Niandou, the general spokesperson of the conference, confirmed that the delegates agreed to uphold Niger’s republican system while preserving its democratic and social values. They also recommended officially granting Tchiani the title of “President of the Republic” as head of the ruling National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland.

After the coup, Tchiani had initially proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule, but the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) rejected the plan and threatened military intervention. Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, eventually exited the regional bloc earlier this year.

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