Niger Junta leader Tchiani sworn in as president

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of Niger’s military junta, has been officially sworn in as the country’s transitional president for a period of five years.

Gen. Tchiani has led Niger since 2023, following a coup d’état that ousted the elected President, Mohamed Bazoum. His takeover strained relations between Niger and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had initially threatened military intervention to restore civilian rule.

On Wednesday, Gen. Tchiani assumed office under a new charter, which officially replaces Niger’s previous constitution.

He was also promoted to the country’s highest military rank of Army General, and signed a decree ordering that all political parties be dissolved.

During a ceremony in the capital, Niamey, Gen Tchiani said of his new military rank: “I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me.”

The transition to democratic rule was in line with recommendations that a commission made following national discussions.

This five-year time period is “flexible” depending on the country’s security status, the new charter says.

Niger has been plagued by jihadist attacks for many years – one of the issues junta leaders cited when staging their coup in June, 2023.

The military takeover followed a string of others in the West Africa region – including neighbouring Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

All four countries have severed ties with former colonial power France and forged new alliances with Russia.

And all except Guinea, have pulled out of ECOWAS, following pressure, including sanctions, to revert to democracy.