Niger has had eleven heads of state since gaining independence from France in 1960, all men. Six of them were military rulers who came to power through coups.
The current leader is Abdourahamane Tchiani, who leads the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
This military group took control after a coup on July 26, 2023, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum. Niger’s leadership has often changed due to political instability, with periods of military rule interrupting civilian governments.
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Complete List Of Niger Presidents Since 1960 Till Date
No | Name | Took Office | Left Office | Political Party |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hamani Diori | 10 November 1960 | 15 April 1974 | PPN–RDA |
2 | Seyni Kountché | 17 April 1974 | 10 November 1987 | Military |
3 | Ali Saibou | 14 November 1987 | 16 April 1993 | Military / MNSD–Nassara |
4 | Mahamane Ousmane | 16 April 1993 | 27 January 1996 | CSD–Rahama |
5 | Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara | 27 January 1996 | 9 April 1999 (assassinated) | Military / UNIRD / RDP–Jama'a |
6 | Daouda Malam Wanké | 11 April 1999 | 22 December 1999 | Military |
7 | Mamadou Tandja | 22 December 1999 | 18 February 2010 | MNSD–Nassara |
8 | Salou Djibo | 18 February 2010 | 7 April 2011 | Military |
9 | Mahamadou Issoufou | 7 April 2011 | 2 April 2021 | PNDS–Tarayya |
10 | Mohamed Bazoum | 2 April 2021 | 26 July 2023 (deposed) | PNDS–Tarayya |
11 | Abdourahamane Tchiani | 26 July 2023 | Incumbent | Military |
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What Is The Name Of The First President Of Niger?
The first president of Niger was Hamani Diori, serving from 1960, when Niger gained its independence, until 1974 when he was overthrown in a military coup.
Diori was instrumental in Niger’s history, especially during its transition from a French colony to an independent nation.
Born on June 6, 1916, in Soudouré, which was part of French West Africa at the time, Diori was the son of a public health officer.
He received his early education locally before studying at the William Ponty Teacher Training College in Senegal. After completing his education, he became a teacher in Niger and later in France.
However, Diori’s political career began after World War II, and he became a key figure in the push for greater autonomy from French colonial rule. He helped establish the Progressive Party of Niger.
In 1946, he was elected to the French National Assembly. By the late 1950s, Diori successfully campaigned for increased autonomy for Niger, paving the way for independence.
On August 3, 1960, Niger officially gained independence, and Diori became its first president. He was known for his moderate policies and close ties with France, which included allowing French military bases in Niger.
However, his government faced criticism for corruption and failing to handle major droughts in the 1970s that led to general famine. This discontent contributed to his downfall.
In 1974, Diori was overthrown by a coup led by Seyni Kountché. After the coup, he was imprisoned and then placed under house arrest until 1987. Diori passed away in 1989.
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Who Is The Current President Of Niger?
Abdourahamane Tchiani is the current de facto president of Niger. He came to power on July 26, 2023, following a military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.
Tchiani leads the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, a military group that took control after detaining Bazoum.
His leadership has drawn international attention due to the political crisis in Niger and the broader instability in the region. Tchiani was born around 1960 or 1961 in the Tillabéri Region of Niger.
He is part of the Hausa ethnic group and began his military career in 1984. Tchiani received training at the National School of Active Officers in Thiès, Senegal.
With time, he held several leadership positions in different regions of Niger, such as Zinder, Agadez, and Diffa, including leading operations against drug trafficking and other security threats.
Tchiani also participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In 1989, he earned a bravery award for his efforts during a plane crash rescue. In 2011, Tchiani became the commander of the Presidential Guard under then-President Mahamadou Issoufou.
This elite military unit, with around 2,000 soldiers, is responsible for protecting top government officials and national security. Tchiani was promoted to general in 2018.
Despite his loyalty to Issoufou, Tchiani faced allegations of being involved in a 2015 coup plot, which he denied. The 2023 coup occurred after reports surfaced that Bazoum planned to remove Tchiani from his role.
Two days after the coup, Tchiani declared himself president, stating that his leadership was necessary to address Niger’s worsening security problems.
He blamed Bazoum’s government for failing to handle the threat of jihadist violence and sought international support to stabilize the country. Since taking power, Tchiani’s rule has been seen as isolation from international diplomacy.
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Who Is The Vice President Of Niger?
Niger does not officially have a vice president according to its Constitution. However, under military rule, the position of vice president has been created as a temporary role.
So far, there have been four vice presidents in the country’s history. The current vice president is Salifou Modi, who was appointed by the military regime.
Like his predecessors, he serves as part of the government led by the military. This position exists only during periods of military control and is not a permanent part of Niger’s political system.