Niger Junta Panel Proposes 5-year Transition Period

Military-Led commission in Niger has proposed a five-year transition before restoring civilian rule, following national discussions, officials announced on state TV.

The proposal comes after Niger’s 2023 military coup, which saw the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta had initially suggested a three-year transition, but that was rejected by ECOWAS, West Africa’s regional bloc.

With Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso recently exiting ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States, the junta is now shaping its own political roadmap.

Abdoulaye Seydou, one of the commission’s vice presidents, stated: ‘The duration of the transition is set at 60 months, which may change depending on the security situation.’

The commission also recommended:

• Promoting junta leader Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani to the rank of army general.
• Dissolving existing political parties, with a new charter allowing only two to five parties.
• Allowing junta officials to participate in future elections.

The commission consulted over 700 delegates, including lawyers, teachers, and architects, but excluded political parties from discussions.

Commission President Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey confirmed that the final report will be submitted to the junta, which will make the final decision on whether to adjust the transition timeline.

Since seizing power, Niger’s military rulers have expelled French and European forces and turned to Russia for security assistance in their fight against armed militant groups.

With the country’s future political landscape uncertain, the proposed five-year transition period could further shift Niger’s domestic and international alliances.