Abdourahmane Tchiani declares self head of ruling Junta

Head of Niger’s presidential guard, Abdourahmane Tchiani, has declared himself head of a transitional government in the West African nation shortly after his unit ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. In an announcement aired on state-run television on Friday, Tchiani assumed the role of “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.”

The 62-year-old general justified the intervention by stating that it was necessary to prevent the gradual and inevitable decline of the country. He criticized President Bazoum’s efforts to portray an image of stability, pointing out the grim reality of death, displacement, humiliation, and frustration among the populace.

Tchiani expressed dissatisfaction with the current security approach, which, despite significant sacrifices, has failed to bring genuine security to the nation. However, he did not provide any specific timeline for a return to civilian leadership.

Tchiani, who was appointed to lead the elite unit in 2015, hails from Niger’s western region of Tillaberi, a significant recruitment area for the army. He maintains a close alliance with former President Mahamadou Issoufou, who governed the country until 2021.

Notably, Tchiani had previously led the resistance against a foiled coup attempt in March 2021, where a military faction tried to seize the presidential palace just days before Bazoum’s inauguration after being elected.

The current whereabouts and status of President Bazoum, who was detained by Tchiani’s unit in the presidential palace in Niamey on Wednesday, remain uncertain. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders both within Africa and globally. In response to the political upheaval, Niger’s borders have been closed, a nationwide curfew imposed, and all republic institutions suspended. The military has warned against foreign intervention while affirming their commitment to respecting Bazoum’s well-being.