Niger has formally inaugurated a transitional advisory council that will act in place of the dissolved parliament for the next five years, during a military-led interim period headed by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine oversaw the swearing-in ceremony on Saturday evening, describing the move as part of Niger’s commitment to the outcomes of the national dialogue held in February. The new body, named the Advisory Council for Refoundation, is composed of 194 appointed members tasked with reviewing legislation and offering policy recommendations.
The council, established by presidential decree in April, is not an elected body and lacks a popular mandate. Its creation follows the July 2023 military coup that ousted the civilian government, dissolved the National Assembly, and suspended the constitution.
Niger is currently governed by a transitional constitutional charter pending the drafting of a new constitution and national referendum.
Speaking at the event, Zeine said the council is one of eight transitional institutions agreed upon during the national dialogue, which brought together political parties and tribal leaders to outline the country’s path forward.
Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba emphasized the security challenges facing Niger, saying the advisory council’s role is vital amid ongoing threats from insurgent and extre
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior military figures and foreign guests, including parliamentary leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, and Ghana.
