General Abdourahamane Tchiani: The Military Leader Reshaping Niger’s Future
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger’s military leader, seized power in a 2023 coup, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. As head of the ruling junta, he shifted Niger toward Russia, expelled Western forces, and formed the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Burkina Faso. His policies focus on military strength, economic sovereignty, and anti-corruption, though sanctions and instability remain challenges. Tchiani was formally sworn in as president in March 2025.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani (عبد الرحمن تشياني) is a prominent Nigerien military officer who rose to power following the 2023 Nigerien coup d'état. Initially leading the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), Tchiani formally assumed the presidency in March 2025, marking a significant shift in Niger’s political landscape. His leadership has been defined by anti-Western policies, closer ties with Russia, and a push for military modernization and economic sovereignty. This article explores his background, military career, seizure of power, governance, and economic policies.
Early Life and Military Career
Background and Rise in the Military
Born on 30 November 1960 in Toukounous, Niger, Tchiani hails from the Hausa ethnic group in the Tillabéri Region, a key recruitment zone for Niger’s armed forces. He joined the military in 1984 and trained at the National School of Active Officers in Thiès, Senegal.
Before commanding the Presidential Guard (2011–2023), Tchiani served in multiple regions, including Zinder, Agadez, and Diffa, combating drug trafficking and insurgent groups. He was the first officer to reach the UTA Flight 772 crash site in 1989, earning military honors. His experience also included UN peacekeeping missions in Ivory Coast, Sudan, and DR Congo, as well as operations against Boko Haram as part of the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Role Under Previous Governments
Tchiani was a close ally of former President Mahamadou Issoufou (2011–2021), who promoted him to general in 2018. Despite being accused of involvement in a 2015 coup plot, he retained his position and later played a crucial role in thwarting a 2021 coup attempt against Issoufou’s successor, Mohamed Bazoum.
Seizure of Power: The 2023 Coup
Overthrowing President Bazoum
On 26 July 2023, Tchiani led the Presidential Guard in detaining President Mohamed Bazoum, citing government failures in security and economic management. Analysts suggest Bazoum had planned to dismiss Tchiani, leading to the preemptive coup.
On 28 July, Tchiani declared himself head of the CNSP junta, justifying the takeover as necessary to prevent Niger’s "gradual and inevitable demise." He criticized Bazoum’s administration for security failures and worsening living conditions.
International Backlash and Regional Shifts
The coup triggered the 2023 Nigerien crisis, with ECOWAS imposing sanctions and threatening military intervention. However, Tchiani resisted pressure, instead forming the Alliance of Sahel States with Burkina Faso and Mali, distancing Niger from Western influence.
Key shifts under Tchiani:
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Expulsion of French and US troops
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Partnership with Russia and the Wagner Group
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Rejection of ECOWAS demands for immediate democratic transition
Leadership and Policies (2023–Present)
Political and Security Reforms
Tchiani’s government prioritized:
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Military modernization – Strengthening Niger’s armed forces against jihadist threats.
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Anti-corruption campaigns – Targeting embezzlement and mismanagement.
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Reduction of foreign dependence – Particularly in uranium and energy.
Economic Measures
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Budget cuts (40% in 2023) due to ECOWAS sanctions.
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Revocation of French uranium mining licenses (e.g., Orano’s Imouraren mine).
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Increased military spending, exempt from public procurement oversight (raising corruption concerns).
Despite economic struggles, Niger achieved a milestone in January 2025 by becoming the first African country to eradicate onchocerciasis (river blindness).
Foreign Relations
Tchiani’s government has:
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Strengthened ties with Russia for military and economic support.
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Accused France and Nigeria of supporting rebel groups and sabotaging oil pipelines.
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Joined the Alliance of Sahel States, creating a pro-Russian, anti-Western bloc in West Africa.
Conclusion
General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s rise from Presidential Guard commander to Niger’s president marks a dramatic shift in the country’s trajectory. His rule has been defined by military governance, anti-Western alignment, and economic nationalism. While his policies aim for greater sovereignty, challenges like economic instability and jihadist threats persist. As Niger navigates this new era, the long-term impact of Tchiani’s leadership remains uncertain.
What’s next for Niger? Will Tchiani’s regime stabilize the country, or will internal and external pressures lead to further upheaval? Only time will tell.
