10 things to know about Abdourahmane Tchiani, new head of Niger Junta

Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, has declared himself as the leader of a transitional government in the West African nation.

He took control just two days after his unit overthrew the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

The announcement was made on state-run television on Friday, where he referred to himself as the “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.”

The 62-year-old general justified the intervention as necessary to prevent the country’s gradual and inevitable decline.

Tchiani criticized Bazoum for attempting to portray a positive image while the reality on the ground was marked by death, displacement, humiliation, and frustration.

According to Tchiani, the security measures in place had not effectively restored stability, despite significant sacrifices.

No specific timeline for a return to civilian leadership was mentioned during his announcement.

Originally drafted to lead the elite unit in 2015, Tchiani hails from Niger’s Tillaberi region, a significant recruitment area for the army.

He has a close association with former President Mahamadou Issoufou, who governed the country until 2021.

In March 2021, Tchiani played a leading role in thwarting a coup attempt when a military unit tried to seize the presidential palace shortly before Bazoum’s inauguration after winning the election.