In West Africa, Niger’s military ruler General Abdourahamane Tchiani has officially taken the presidential oath for a transitional period of five years.
With the stroke of a pen and a solemn military salute, Gen Tchiani now sits at the wheel of a nation grappling with security challenges, geopolitical tensions and an uncertain democratic future.
Tchiani seized control in 2023 after toppling the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum in a military coup that shocked both the nation and the international community.
Since then, he has ruled with a firm grip citing national security concerns as the backbone of his justification.
Tchiani officially took office by replacing Niger’s constitution. This fundamental document not only cements his power but also provides a ‘flexible’ five-year timeline for a return to democratic rule.
Opposition however, argue that flexibility is just another word for unspecified military rule.
In a symbolic gesture reflecting his growing dominance, Tchiani was promoted to the country’s highest military rank of army general during the ceremony in Niamey.
“I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me,” Tchiani declared.
Since the coup, Niger has been under the spotlight for its deteriorating relations with Western powers particularly France forging alliance with Russia.
This shift mirrors similar dynamics in neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea all governed by military regimes that have collectively turned their backs on the West African regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States).
Niger’s relations with ECOWAS reached a breaking point when Tchiani proposed a three-year transition period immediately after the coup.
ECOWAS called the proposal a “provocation” and even threatened military intervention before quietly backing down.
Beyond politics, this coup is about power in every sense of the word. Niger is rich in uranium, a resource critical to global energy markets.
In his inauguration speech, Tchiani highlighted that the new charter includes unprecedented measures to protect Niger’s natural resources.
“We want Nigeriens to truly benefit from the exploitation of their wealth,” he stated.
As Tchiani basks in his newfound legitimacy, former President Bazoum remains confined to the presidential palace alongside his wife. He faces charges of high treason and undermining national security charges many believe are politically motivated.
Although their son was granted a provisional release in January, the family’s suffering continues to symbolize the human cost of political power struggles.
For now, Niger’s fate hangs in the balance. With democratic norms sidelined, military rule extended and geopolitical alliances shifting, the nation stands at a crossroads.
