Niger’s Presidential Guard Head names himself Head of Transitional Government

Head of Niger’s presidential guard Abdourahmane Tchiani, has named himself head of transitional government two days after his unit overthrew democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

He made the announcement on state-run television, saying he was the “president of National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland”.

The 62-year-old general also said the intervention had been necessary to avoid “the gradual and inevitable demise” of the country.

There was no mention of a timeline for return to civilian leadership.

Tchiani who was drafted to lead the elite unit in 2011 remains a close ally of former President Mahamadou Issoufou – the politician who led the country until 2021.