By Sama Marwan,
The head of Niger’s military council, Abdourahamane Tchiani, has taken the constitutional oath to assume the presidency of the country for a transitional period of five years, according to a new charter that replaces the national constitution.
The Associated Press explained that Tchiani, who has been promoted to the rank of General—the highest rank in the army—will remain in power for about seven years by the end of the transitional period in 2030.
The transitional charter stipulates that a referendum must be held as a condition for establishing foreign military bases in Niger. However, it also states that the president may issue a presidential decree in case of an emergency.
Currently, Niger has a military partnership with Russia, its new ally, after expelling American and French troops, who were historically its key partners.
Initially, the military council in Niger proposed a three-year transitional period, but the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) rejected this proposal and threatened to intervene by force.
Since then, Niger has withdrawn from ECOWAS, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, in protest against the strict sanctions imposed by the regional bloc to pressure Niger.
