Niger’s military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has been sworn in as the country’s president for a transitional period of five years.
This move comes after he led a military coup two years ago, deposing Niger’s elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
Gen Tchiani took the presidential office under a new charter that replaces Niger’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.
In his address, 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 expected to follow recommendations made by a commission after national discussions.
The five-year transition period is considered “flexible” and dependent on the country’s security status, according to the new charter.
Niger has faced jihadist attacks for many years, which was one of the reasons cited by the junta leaders for staging the coup.
This military takeover is part of a larger trend in the region, with neighboring Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso also being run by juntas.
All four countries have severed ties with France, their former colonial power, and have formed new alliances with Russia.
Except for Guinea, they have also withdrawn from Ecowas, the West African regional bloc.
Niger’s relations with Ecowas deteriorated when the junta proposed a three-year transition period to democratic rule, which Ecowas deemed a “provocation.” Although Ecowas threatened to intervene with force, they later backed down.
Gen Tchiani’s administration is currently prosecuting former President Bazoum for alleged high treason and undermining national security.
Bazoum remains in detention at the presidential palace with his wife, while their son was granted provisional release in January.
According to the state-run news agency ANP, Gen Tchiani stated that Niger’s new charter aligns with traditional constitutions while taking “unprecedented measures to protect our natural resources so that Nigeriens truly benefit from the exploitation of their wealth”.
