Commission in Niger recommends five-year transition to civilian rule

A commission in military junta-led Niger has proposed a minimum five-year transition period before restoring democratic rule, following national discussions involving various stakeholders.

The recommendation extends beyond the junta’s initial three-year timeline, which was rejected by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Political tensions have since led Niger, along with its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, to withdraw from ECOWAS and form the Alliance of Sahel States.

Announcing the findings on state television, commission vice president Abdoulaye Seydou stated that “the duration of the transition is set at 60 months, which may change depending on the security situation.”

The commission also recommended:

• The elevation of junta leader Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani to the rank of army general.
• The dissolution of political parties, with a new charter allowing only two to five parties.
• The participation of junta officials in future elections.

Commission President Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey emphasized that the recommendations were drawn from consultations with over 700 delegates, including lawyers, architects, and teachers. However, political parties were not part of the discussions.

The commission’s report will be submitted to the junta, which holds the final authority on implementing the transition timeline.

Since seizing power in 2023 and ousting President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s military rulers—like those in Mali and Burkina Faso—have expelled French and European forces while strengthening ties with Russia to combat insurgent groups.