By Barth Ikiebe
Niger’s military leadership has enacted a new constitutional framework that sets a five-year period for transition to civilian governance, formally establishing General Abdourahamane Tiani as transitional President.
The move was sealed during an official ceremony to implement the Refoundation Charter, a document that reshapes the country’s political and institutional landscape following the July 2023 military coup that ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum.
Under the charter, Niger will enter a 60-month transition period, though officials indicated the timeline may be revised depending on security conditions, the national reform agenda, and cooperation with the Confederation of Sahel States.
The charter reinforces Niger’s growing alignment with military-led neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali, with whom it formally joined the Alliance of Sahel States in 2024.
The alliance is designed to deepen regional cooperation in defence, politics, and economic strategy, as the three countries pursue a shared post-coup political vision.
Together, the bloc has rejected pressure from regional and international bodies to rapidly return to civilian rule, favouring a longer timeline to consolidate what they describe as ‘refoundation’ efforts rooted in sovereignty and security.
A key feature of the new charter addresses the role of foreign military forces on Nigerien soil.
The document establishes that any long-term presence of foreign troops must be approved by referendum, following broad national consultation.
In emergencies, however, the president—who also serves as commander-in-chief—may authorise foreign military deployments by decree, subject to input from the newly formed Refoundation Advisory Council. These deployments are restricted in scope and duration, limited to the time necessary to stabilise the situation.
This change follows the expulsion of French forces and European military operations in the months after the 2023 coup.
Like its Sahelian counterparts, Niger has since shifted its defence partnerships, increasingly turning to Russia for security assistance in the fight against Islamist insurgents.
With the charter now in force, Niger has codified a governance model that mirrors those adopted by military rulers in the region.
The leadership maintains that the extended transition period is essential for rebuilding state institutions and restoring order.
Yet critics warn that such long timelines often entrench military control and delay the return to democratic processes. Observers note that transparency, clear benchmarks, and civilian engagement will be key to whether Niger’s transitional roadmap builds genuine reform—or consolidates authoritarian rule under a new banner.
The Refoundation Charter may set the legal framework for Niger’s future, but the direction it takes remains uncertain. What is clear is that the country has chosen to align itself more closely with a regional axis of military-led governments seeking to redefine governance across the Sahel.
