Niger is set to hold a national convention from February 15-19 to outline its long-awaited political transition. The junta, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a July 2023 coup, promised there would be no more than a three-year transition after which it would hand over power to a democratically elected president. To that end, junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has promised an inclusive dialogue to establish governance priorities and produce a preliminary draft of a transition charter.
This initiative comes after months of uncertainty, marking a step toward returning to democratic rule and stability in the region. Consultations across Niger's eight regions have already been conducted, and a national commission has been formed to oversee the process. Despite the optimism, some critics warn that prolonged military rule remains a strong possibility in the broader Sahel region.
