By John Ikani
General Abdourahmane Tchiani, also known as Omar Tchiani, has declared himself as the leader of Niger’s junta, which seized power on Wednesday, toppling the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Here are five things we know about him:
1. Long-serving Commander
Gen Tchiani, 62, has held a prominent position as the head of the presidential guard since 2011. The force of around 700 personnel was established by Niger’s former President Mahamadou Issoufou to safeguard against military coups.
2. Coup Attempt Allegations
The new junta leader’s history is not without controversy. He was once linked to a 2015 coup attempt against Former President Issoufou. However, in 2018, he faced a court trial that ultimately cleared him of any involvement in the alleged plot.
3. Elevation to General
Did you know that Former President Issoufou promoted Gen Tchiani to the rank of general in 2018? The promotion further solidified his position within the military establishment, signifying the confidence placed in him by the former president.
4. President Bazoum’s Plans
Interestingly, before the recent military takeover, President Bazoum had initiated changes to the country’s security forces. As part of this overhaul, he had intended to remove Gen Tchiani from his post.
5. Challenges Ahead
As Gen Tchiani assumes leadership of Niger, he faces a host of challenges on both domestic and international fronts. The global community will closely monitor the junta’s actions and decisions, evaluating their commitment to restoring democratic norms and paving the way for legitimate governance in the future.
