Niger commission proposes 5-year transition to civilian rule

A commission in military-ruled Niger suggested the country needs 5 years before it returns to civilian rule, triggering criticism from the regional bloc ECOWAS.

The military seized power in 2023, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. Following the coup ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the coup leaders and suspended Niger from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies. Niger joined other military-led states of Mali and Burkina Faso in leaving the ECOWAS.

“The duration of the transition is set at 60 months, which may change depending on the security situation” and other factors, Abdoulaye Seydou, one of the commission’s vice presidents, said on state TV.

The commission also promoted Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the military coup, to the rank of army general, Seydou said.

The commission called for the dissolution of existing political parties, allowing for the formation of only two to five new parties under a revised political charter.

Right after the coup, the new military rulers had set a period of three years to return to constitutional order.

Niger is rich in natural resources, particularly uranium, which is crucial for nuclear energy. It also has significant deposits of oil, gold, and coal.