Niger coup leader sworn in as president for five years

Niger’s military ruler, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, has been sworn in as the country’s president for a transitional period of five years.

Gen Tchiani, who has led Niger since 2023 after deposing elected President Mohamed Bazoum, took the presidential office on Wednesday under a new charter that replaces the country’s constitution.

During the ceremony in the capital, Niamey, Gen Tchiani was also promoted to the highest military rank of army general and signed a decree dissolving all political parties. He expressed humility in receiving the new rank, pledging to uphold the trust placed in him.

The transition period to democratic rule is in line with recommendations from a national commission, though the five-year timeline is described as “flexible” depending on the country’s security situation.

Niger has long struggled with jihadist attacks, one of the key issues cited by the junta when it seized power. The military takeover followed similar coups in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, with all four countries severing ties with France and forging new alliances with Russia.

Relations between Niger and the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) have been strained since the coup, particularly after the junta proposed a three-year transition period, which Ecowas initially rejected as a “provocation” and threatened military intervention before later backing down.

Gen Tchiani’s administration is prosecuting former President Bazoum on charges of high treason and undermining national security. Bazoum remains in custody at the presidential palace with his wife, while his son was granted a provisional release in January.

According to state-run news agency ANP, Gen Tchiani stated that the new charter aligns with traditional constitutions but introduces unprecedented measures to protect Niger’s natural resources, ensuring that citizens benefit from the country’s wealth.

Credit: BBC