Niger is undergoing a major political change with the Re-establishment Pact issued by the President of the National Homeland Council, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. The document, read by the Secretary-General of the Government, Maman Roufai Louali, profoundly redefines the country’s institutional structure.
Following national assessments held between February 15 and 20, the Re-establishment Pact clearly stipulates the appointment of General Abdourahamane Tchiani as President. This decision was taken 20 months after Tchiani’s coup against Mohamed Bazoum. The Pact provides for a 60-month transition period, but this period is flexible depending on the security situation and the agenda of the Union of Sahel States.
In addition, the Pact foresees two separate mechanisms regarding the presence of foreign forces on the country’s territory. As a general rule, it is required to grant permission by referendum after consulting the sovereign will of the people. However, in the event of an “emergency”, the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces may grant permission by decree after consulting the Reestablishment Advisory Council.
However, the duration of this permission cannot exceed the “period necessary for the stabilization of the situation”. According to the Secretary General of the Government, the Pact “has a constitutional value and is accepted as the fundamental law governing public authorities throughout the reestablishment process. This status gives the Pact the highest authority during the transition period.