Military leader General Abdourahmane Tiani Wednesday promulgated the Niger Refoundation Charter, a document redefining the structure of power and granting him a five-year presidential mandate.
During the ceremony he was also elevated to the rank of army general.
Addressing a gathering of officials and representatives of the nation’s key stakeholders, Tiani highlighted the culmination of a process launched with his address to the nation on 19 August 2023, less than a month after his coup against Mohamed Bazoum.
He stated that the charter marks a historic shift in Niger’s governance by introducing mechanisms for popular consultation and ensuring greater control over the country’s natural resources.
“The Charter we adopt today aligns with the traditional structure of constitutional texts. It organises public authorities and establishes the principles and values of our Republic’s refoundation,” the Nigerien head of state declared.
The charter mandates a referendum for any establishment of foreign military bases on national soil and sets new rules for natural resource exploitation to prioritise benefits for the Nigerien people.
Tiani emphasised the weight of responsibility accompanying his promotion to army general, expressing humility at the honour and reaffirming his resolve to serve Niger with integrity.
“I receive this distinction with great humility and gratitude toward Niger and its people. It entails not only responsibilities within the defense and security forces but also an encouragement to persevere in my mission with the support of all Nigeriens,” he said.
The head of state called on his compatriots to unite in building a sovereign and prosperous Niger, urging a collective mobilisation to address the security, economic, and social challenges facing the country.
A call for reconciliation and justice
In his speech, Tiani stressed the need for national reconciliation rooted in forgiveness but not impunity.
“The forgiveness and reconciliation we advocate cannot stand in opposition to the legitimate aspirations of Nigeriens for justice. There can be no true forgiveness and reconciliation without justice,” he affirmed.
He recalled that the transition, in place since 26 July 2023, faces significant challenges, citing the deadly Fambita attack that claimed several Nigerien lives. For him, these trials demand unwavering unity and collective resolve to defend national sovereignty.
“Since our country made the historic decision to take its destiny into its own hands, it has faced violent adversity. Rather than losing ourselves in needless divisions, we must rally our strengths and stand together,” he insisted.
Tiani also reiterated the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP)’s commitment to combating corruption and state mismanagement, asserting that “neither witchhunt, nor impunity, nor political protection” would be tolerated under his leadership.
The promulgation of the charter grants Abdourahamane Tiani a five-year mandate as Niger’s leader.
It replaces the constitution suspended after the 2023 coup.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA