Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger’s military junta, was sworn in as the country’s president on Wednesday for a five-year transitional period.
Tchiani, who led the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power in July 2023 was also elevated to the rank of army general.
In addition to assuming the presidency, Tchiani, an army veteran, was elevated to the rank of army general and signed a decree dissolving all political parties, consolidating his authority. The five-year “flexible” transition period commenced immediately, as stated by Mahamane Roufai, the government’s secretary general, during a ceremony in Niamey where the new transition charter was approved. 
This development challenges efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to expedite Niger’s return to democratic governance. Initially, the junta proposed a three-year transition, which ECOWAS rejected, leading to Niger’s departure from the bloc alongside Mali and Burkina Faso in protest of stringent sanctions.
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Critics argue that the junta has curtailed civil liberties and struggled to contain escalating jihadist violence, particularly in regions like Tillabéri, where civilians have faced increased attacks and displacement.
As Tchiani embarks on this extended transitional period, concerns persist regarding the restoration of democratic processes and the nation’s stability amid ongoing security challenges.
