Who is Omar Tchiani, leader of Niger’s new military government?
Al JazeeraThe general has been the head of the presidential guards unit since 2015 and a close ally of former President Issoufou. General Omar Tchiani, commander of Niger’s presidential guards, has appointed himself head of the country’s new military government following the removal from power of President Mohamed Bazoum. Appearing on state television on Friday, Tchiani said Niger needed to change course to avoid “the gradual and inevitable demise” and thus he and others had decided to intervene. Early on Wednesday, members of the special unit led by Tchiani detained Bazoum within the presidential palace, prompting regional leaders to organise a swift mediation mission to try to prevent a coup. Another possible reason, Melly noted, is that Bazoum wanted “to mark himself out as his own man” from Issoufou’s presidency by changing the composition of the presidential guards, including replacing Tchiani.
History of this topic
Niger’s junta accuses United Nations chief of blocking its participation at General Assembly
Associated Press
Abdourahamane Tchiani | The shadow General
The Hindu
Niger coup: Head of presidential guard Abdourahmane Tchiani declares himself as new head of state
India TV News
Niger general Tchiani named head of transitional government after coup
Al Jazeera
Soldiers declare Niger general who led coup as head of state
LA Times)
Soldiers in Niger claim to have overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum
Firstpost
Niger’s Bazoum ‘held by guards’ in apparent coup attempt
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