NIGER’S ruling military junta has officially announced a five-year timeline to restore constitutional rule, beginning from Wednesday. The declaration was made during a formal signing ceremony for a new transition charter, signalling the start of what the junta describes as a roadmap to civilian governance, Reuters reported .
The West African country has been under military control since a July 2023 coup, which saw President Mohamed Bazoum ousted from office. The new charter formalises the junta’s intention to remain in power until 2029.
Formal path to civilian rule
The announcement marks the first time Niger’s military leaders have provided a definitive timeline for a return to democratic rule. While details of the transition plan were not fully disclosed, the new charter is expected to serve as a legal framework for the period of military leadership, followed by eventual elections.
Wednesday’s ceremony included top military officials and members of the transitional council. The move reflects similar approaches taken by military-led governments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also extended timelines for returning to civilian leadership after recent coups.
Regional shifts and realignments
Following the 2023 power grab, Niger’s junta expelled French and European military forces and began forging stronger ties with Russia, mirroring the geopolitical shifts seen in its Sahel neighbours. These alliances have come amid ongoing battles against Islamist militant groups operating across the region.
The transitional plan may provide a degree of political clarity for both Nigeriens and international observers, though many remain sceptical about the junta’s long-term intentions. Critics argue that similar promises made by other military governments in the region have often been delayed or abandoned altogether.
Echoes of Sahelian trend
Since the coup, Niger has increasingly aligned itself with Mali and Burkina Faso—not just militarily, but also diplomatically. The three countries recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), deepening their break with the region’s traditional political frameworks.
These developments have raised concerns over democratic backsliding in West Africa, where a growing number of military regimes are consolidating power under the guise of transitional processes.
With the new five-year timeline now in place, Niger’s leadership faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that it remains committed to returning to civilian rule—on time and with transparency.
