Niger’s junta leader Tchiani sworn in as president for five-year transitional period

|Published 10:30 AM ET, Thursday March 27, 2025|

Niamey: General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who led the coup in June 2023, has been officially sworn in as Niger’s transitional president for a five-year period under a new charter that replaces the nation’s constitution. This move consolidates his authority and defies regional efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to expedite a return to democratic governance.​

The newly established transition charter introduces significant changes to Niger’s political landscape:​

• Dissolution of Political Parties: Tchiani has signed a decree dissolving all political parties, further cementing his control over the country’s political framework. ​

• Foreign Military Presence: The charter stipulates that the establishment of foreign military bases in Niger will require a referendum. However, in emergencies, the president has the authority to approve such bases through a decree. ​

This development follows Niger’s recent alignment with Russia for military cooperation after the expulsion of U.S. and French forces. The five-year transition period, described as “flexible,” began on March 26, 2025, and is expected to extend Tchiani’s rule until 2030. ​

Critics argue that the junta’s prolonged hold on power has led to increased restrictions on civil liberties and has not effectively addressed the ongoing jihadist violence—the primary justification cited for the 2023 coup.

As Niger navigates this extended transition, the international community remains watchful of the implications for regional stability and democratic processes.

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