Niger Republic’s Military Ruler, Tchiani Charts Transition To Democracy

Niger Republic’s General Abdourahamane Tchiani who became the de facto leader of Niger in 2023, following the coup that ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum on March 27, 2025, formally assumed the presidency of Niger under a new transitional charter that replaced the country’s constitution.

This charter sets the stage for a five-year transition to democracy, though its flexibility leaves room for extension based on the country’s security situation, which remains precarious due to persistent jihadist attacks that have destabilized the region for years. These security concerns were one of the primary justifications for the coup, and Tchiani’s government has used the ongoing conflict as a central reason for its prolonged hold on power.

His rise to power was part of a broader wave of military takeovers in the Sahel region, where nations like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso have also fallen under military rule. Despite the political instability, Gen Tchiani’s leadership has been marked by several significant moves in governance and army control.

A significant step in Tchiani’s consolidation of authority was his promotion to the highest military rank in Niger, that of army general, a move which cements the military nature of his rule. In his address after the promotion, he expressed humility: “I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me.” His words were also an assertion of his intent to live up to the expectations placed on him. Furthermore, Tchiani signed a decree disbanding all political parties, cementing his control over the country’s political space and signaling a shift away from the multi-party democracy Niger once knew. This is a pivot, as it reflects the growing trend of military rulers consolidating power through political repression.

Tchiani’s rise to power fits in a wider pattern as seen in other Francophone African countries, where military regimes have been able to maintain power through transitional periods that could potentially evolve into permanent rule. In neighboring Mali, Colonel Assimi Goita and his junta have already moved to enshrine their authority after seizing power in 2021, while in Guinea, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya also leads with a similarly indefinite transition period. Burkina Faso, under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has taken similar steps. These examples indicate that military leaders in the region are increasingly adopting measures that may pave the way for life presidencies, with transitions to democratic rule serving as mere formalities. For Tchiani, the road ahead might follow a similar trajectory—one where a “flexible” transition period could stretch indefinitely, depending on the military’s assessment of the security situation.

All four nations have cut ties with their former colonial ruler, France, and established new alliances with Russia. Except for Guinea, they have also withdrawn from ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc.

Niger’s relationship with ECOWAS deteriorated when its military junta proposed a three-year transition to democratic rule following the coup. ECOWAS condemned the plan as a “provocation” and initially threatened military intervention before later retreating from the stance. Internally, Tchiani has also taken steps to pursue former President Bazoum, who remains in detention along with his family, on charges of high treason and undermining national security. In his address in Niamey, Tchiani emphasized that the new charter would safeguard Niger’s resources and ensure that the benefits of the country’s wealth would be directed towards Nigeriens, a statement that appeals to nationalistic sentiments, especially amid the growing disillusionment with foreign powers like France.

With the military junta in control and a charter that is designed to give Tchiani flexibility in ruling, it is unclear whether Niger will see a return to civilian governance anytime soon. While the promise of democracy remains, it could be eclipsed by the military’s grip on power—just as it has been in several other countries across Francophone Africa. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Niger’s political transition remains a genuine path to democracy or whether it evolves into another long-term military regime.