In a military-led coup on Friday, Nigerien military officers declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state. The officers announced the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of all former institutions after overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum.
General Tiani previously served as the head of the presidential guard, which played a pivotal role in confining President Bazoum to his palace on Wednesday. The military cited reasons of bad governance and worsening security as the justification for ousting the president.
“Article Two. A National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, CNSP, is hereby created, the composition and functioning of which shall be determined by decree of the President of the Council,” declared Colonel Major Amadou Ardamane.
“Article Four. The President of the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland is the Head of State. He represents the State of Niger in international relations,” Colonel Major Ardamane added.
General Tiani made a public appearance on state television on Friday, with a banner on the screen identifying him as the president of the newly formed military council, the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP). The unfolding situation has raised significant concerns both domestically and internationally, as the country grapples with political instability and uncertainty over its future leadership.
