NIAMEY, Niger — Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger's military junta, has been officially sworn in as the country's president for a transitional period of five years, under a new charter that replaces the nation's previous constitution. This move further consolidates Tchiani's power since he led a coup in June 2023 that unseated the elected government of Mohamed Bazoum. During the swearing-in ceremony held in the capital, Tchiani was also promoted to the rank of army general and signed a decree dissolving all political parties, effectively minimizing opposition and civil liberties.

According to Mahamane Roufai, the government's secretary-general, the five-year transition commenced on Wednesday and is described as "flexible" based on Niger's security situation and ongoing reforms. The charter allows for a referendum on establishing foreign military bases in Niger, further indicating a shift in international alliances, especially after the expulsion of U.S. and French forces in favor of expanding ties with Russia. This shift aligns with regional patterns in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, which have similarly embraced military governance.

Tchiani's administration has faced criticism for its inability to curb escalating jihadi violence, a concern that partly justified the initial coup. Critics argue that the junta's governance methods are leading to more restrictions on human rights. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) rejected the junta's proposed three-year transition, labeling it a provocation, which ultimately resulted in Niger's exit from the bloc alongside its regional allies in protest against sanctions aimed at restoring democracy.

Tchiani's governance appears to echo a trend of extended military rule in West Africa, leading observers to express concerns about the trajectory of democracy in the region. As relations further deteriorate with ECOWAS, the junta emphasizes the need to ensure that Niger's natural resources benefit its citizens rather than foreign powers.

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