Coup d'état in Niger: What do we know about country's new leader General Omar Tchiani

The political landscape of Niger was thrown into disarray on Wednesday when President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from power in a swift coup. In the aftermath of the upheaval, General Omar Tchiani, also known as  Abdourahamane Tchiani, emerged as the face of the new military government. As the commander of the presidential guards and a close ally of former President Mahamadou Issoufou, Tchiani's rise to prominence raises questions about his motivations and the direction in which Niger is headed.

A question that may arise in some minds is this - why does Niger even matter? Niger is seen as the last partner in the West’s efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group in Africa’s Sahel region, where Russia and the west have been vying for influence in the fight against extremism.

Little is known about General Omar Tchiani, also known as Abdourahmane, the man who now stands at the helm of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. A native of Niger's western region of Tillaberi, a significant recruitment area for the army, Tchiani has been heading the presidential guards since 2015. Under his leadership, this special unit of about 2,000 soldiers remained a formidable force, and he played a pivotal role in foiling an attempted coup in March 2021, just days before Bazoum's swearing-in as president.

What was Tchiani's motive?

The motivations behind Tchiani's spearheading of the coup that ousted President Bazoum remain shrouded in mystery. Speculations abound, including rumors that the deposed president intended to dismiss the general just days before the coup. Paul Melly, a Niger expert at London's Chatham House, suggested that Bazoum's desire to replace Tchiani may have been a bid to establish his authority separate from his predecessor, Mahamadou Issoufou.

However, the coup's swift execution indicates that Tchiani's influence reaches far beyond the confines of the presidential guards. He appears to wield considerable power behind the scenes, which has led to speculation about potential discontent within the army and presidential guards over Bazoum's leadership. Nevertheless, the truth remains elusive, as independent verification of these speculations is difficult to obtain.

Using state TV to address the world, Tchiani said: "The country needed to change course to avoid the gradual and inevitable demise and thus he and others had decided to intervene," as per a report from AP. “I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges,” he added.

The Nigerien military has long been influential in the nation's politics, and the current coup further underscores its role in shaping the country's trajectory.

As the leader of the transitional government, Tchiani faces critical challenges in guiding Niger through this period of political uncertainty. The international community has expressed concern over the upheaval. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in Papua New Guinea said that "(the coup is) completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region". He added that he had spoken with Mohamed Bazoum, the deposed President. Macron stated that the deposed President was in good health. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said that "if you are hearing me speak of an attempted coup, that’s because we do not regard things as definitive". 

Niger's journey towards democracy has been far from smooth. The nation's political landscape is delicate, and the choices made by Tchiani in the coming days and weeks will undoubtedly shape Niger's future.

The situation in Niger is closely watched by neighboring countries and the international community, as the implications of the coup extend beyond the nation's borders. With Tchiani at the helm, the world anxiously awaits the path he will chart for Niger and the implications it holds for the stability of the West African region. As the dust settles and the transitional government takes shape, the spotlight remains on General Omar Tchiani. 

Here is what else you need to know about Niger

The West African nation of Niger has a complex political history marked by challenges, triumphs, and a quest for stability. From gaining independence from France in 1960 to recent upheavals, the country has navigated a path towards democracy while facing numerous obstacles. Understanding Niger's political journey sheds light on the context in which the nation finds itself today.

Independence and Early Years: On August 3, 1960, Niger gained independence from its colonial ruler, France, marking the beginning of its sovereign existence. Hamani Diori, a key figure in the country's independence movement, became the first President. The early years were characterized by a one-party system under the Nigerien Progressive Party (PPN-RDA), which led the nation through its formative years.

Cycles of Coups and Instability: The decades that followed were marred by political instability, marked by cycles of military coups and civilian rule. In 1974, Diori was overthrown in a coup led by Seyni Kountché, who established a military government. The country remained under military rule for the next 14 years.

In 1991, popular discontent with military rule led to a pro-democracy movement, forcing the military government to hold national conferences. These conferences paved the way for a transition to civilian rule, and in 1993, Niger held its first multiparty elections. Mahamane Ousmane emerged as the country's first democratically elected president.

Challenges of Democracy: Despite the progress towards democracy, Niger's political landscape remained fraught with challenges. The subsequent years saw a series of political transitions and power struggles. The military returned to power in 1996, and political instability continued to plague the nation.

In 1999, Mamadou Tandja won the presidential election, signaling a renewed commitment to democratic governance. However, his presidency was also marked by controversial actions, including a constitutional change that allowed him to extend his rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit.

Transition to Democracy: Niger's journey towards stable democracy faced significant obstacles in the early 2000s. In 2010, President Tandja was overthrown in a military coup led by Salou Djibo. The military junta pledged to transition back to civilian rule, and in 2011, Niger held a presidential election. Mahamadou Issoufou emerged victorious and took office as the nation's democratically elected leader.

Issoufou's presidency marked a period of relative stability and progress for Niger. His commitment to democratic principles and economic reforms earned him international recognition. During his tenure, Niger experienced significant economic growth and increased engagement in regional and international affairs.

The 2021 Peaceful Transition of Power: One of Niger's most significant milestones in recent history was the 2021 presidential election, which marked the country's first truly peaceful and democratic transfer of power. Mohamed Bazoum, a longtime political figure, won the election and succeeded Issoufou as president. The successful transfer of power was seen as a positive step in Niger's democratic journey.

Recent Challenges and Political Unrest: However, despite the progress made, Niger's political landscape remains dynamic and complex. The recent coup that removed President Bazoum from power has raised concerns about political stability. General Omar Tchiani, a key figure in the coup, now heads the new military government, leading the nation through another period of uncertainty.