Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, was officially sworn in as the country’s transitional president on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a five-year transition period that effectively prolongs military rule until at least 2030. This move follows the adoption of a new charter that replaces Niger’s previous constitution, further delaying the country’s return to democratic governance.
The announcement, made by Niger’s Secretary-General of Government, Mahamane Roufai, specifies that the transition period is set at 60 months, though it could be adjusted based on the country’s security situation and the broader agenda of the newly formed Confederation of Sahel States.
“The duration of the transition period is set at sixty months from the date of its promulgation. This duration is flexible depending on the country’s security situation, the burden of reform, and the agenda of the Confederation of Sahel States,” Roufai stated.
Tchiani, who led the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in June 2023, was also promoted to the rank of army general, further consolidating his grip on power. By the end of this transition period, he will have ruled for nearly seven years—similar to other military-led governments in West Africa, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
The junta’s initial proposal of a three-year transition was rejected by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which condemned the coup and threatened military intervention. In retaliation, Niger withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2024, joining its military-ruled allies, Mali and Burkina Faso, in severing ties with the bloc.
Critics argue that Tchiani’s government has suppressed civil liberties and failed to deliver on its promise to curb jihadist insurgencies that were cited as a justification for the coup. With the new extended timeline, concerns are growing that Niger’s path back to democracy remains uncertain, as the junta strengthens its hold on power.
