NIAMEY, Feb 20 – Niger’s military junta has proposed a five-year transition to civilian rule following national discussions. This comes after the army seized power in a 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta initially suggested a three-year transition, but the proposal was rejected by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), leading Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to leave the bloc and form the Alliance of Sahel States.
Abdoulaye Seydou, a vice president of the commission, stated on state television that the transition period would last 60 months, though it could be adjusted depending on the security situation and other factors.
In addition to the transition timeline, the junta has promoted Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the coup and former head of Niger’s presidential guard, to the rank of army general.
Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, president of the commission, also confirmed the five-year plan and revealed that political parties would be dissolved. A new political charter would allow for two to five political parties, with junta officials eligible to participate in future elections.
The commission’s report, which was developed after consultations with over 700 delegates, will be presented to the junta for final approval.
