In a move raising concerns about democratic backsliding, Niger’s military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has dissolved all local councils across the country.
The announcement, made on Thursday through state media Tele Sahel, dismantled municipal and regional councils elected in 2020. No explanation was provided for the sudden move.
A separate decree reported by state radio detailed the appointment of military and public officials to replace the disbanded councils.
Notably, Oumarou Dogari, the democratically elected mayor of the capital city Niamey, was replaced by an army colonel.
This decision further centralizes power within the military leadership.
The military takeover of Niger, one of the world’s poorest nations, occurred in July 2023. The junta cited the growing threat of militant insurgency as justification for the coup.
However, this latest move to dissolve local councils and install military officials in leadership positions raises questions about the military’s commitment to a democratic transition and their plans for the future
