By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
On March 26, 2025, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of Niger’s military junta, officially took office as president for a five-year transition period.
This followed his leadership in a 2023 coup that ousted the democratically elected government. Tchiani, now promoted to the rank of army general, dissolved all political parties, further solidifying his grip on power.
Speaking at the ceremony in the capital, Niamey, Mahamane Roufai, the government’s secretary-general, emphasized, “This marks the commencement of a flexible and structured transition as per the newly approved charter.”
He also noted that the transition period was designed to end in 2030, “which means the president will have been in power for nearly seven years by then.”
Tchiani’s swearing-in comes despite ongoing opposition from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had demanded a swift return to civilian rule.
ECOWAS had rejected the junta’s initial proposal for a three-year transition, calling it a “provocation” and warning of possible intervention.
Roufai, however, affirmed that the new charter, approved after a national conference, would see Niger’s leadership remain firmly in military hands for an extended period.
The transition charter also outlines conditions under which foreign military bases could be established in the country, stating that a referendum would be required.
However, in emergencies, the president can authorize such actions by decree.
“We are also committed to a new partnership, one that strengthens our sovereignty and national security,” Roufai added, highlighting Niger’s evolving relationship with Russia after expelling U.S. and French forces.
