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Niger’s National Committee has proposed a plan to return the country to civilian rule within five years under new guidelines that would limit political parties.
The plan, presented by a National Conference composed of 700 community leaders, including members of the diaspora, was submitted to the junta that seized power in July 2023.
According to AP, the proposal suggested that all current political parties be abolished and replaced with new rules that would permit no more than five parties. During the five-year period, the junta would remain in control, with junta leader Brig.
Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani was allowed to run as a candidate in the proposed elections.
Tchiani welcomed the proposal and pledged to carry it out. “I am committed to fulfilling the sovereign people’s hope. You have done your part; I will do mine,” Tchiani said as reported by AP.
Niger, along with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, has faced a worsening security situation due to a decade-long insurgency by jihadi groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State.
The military juntas in these countries have expended efforts to expel French forces and instead turned to Russia’s mercenary units for security assistance.
The violence in the region has resulted in over 3,470 deaths and displaced 2.6 million people in the past six months, according to the United Nations.
Following their rise to power, the juntas in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States and formed their own security partnership, the Alliance of Sahel States, in September 2024.
Pascal Arogorn Ibe
