Politics & Government Guide · NigerPolitics & Government Guide in Niger
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Niger has been under military rule since July 2023, when General Abdourahamane Tchiani led a coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta, operating as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), suspended the constitution and dissolved all democratic institutions. Civic and political space has significantly narrowed, with restrictions on media freedom, civil society activities, and political opposition, while the military leadership announced a flexible transition plan in 2025 that would allow coup leaders to participate in future elections.
Democracy Index
Below Average
Government Type
Semi-Presidential Republic (de facto military junta)
Legal System
Mixed legal system based on French civil law and Islamic law; constitution suspended following July 2023 military coup
Head of State
President General Abdourahamane Tchiani(since 2023)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeinesince 2023
Political Indicators
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Difficult
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Authoritarian Regime
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Voting Rights
All citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote in elections. However, democratic voting processes have been suspended since the July 2023 military coup. The junta adopted a flexible five-year transition plan in early 2025 that permits coup leaders to contest future elections.
Recent Developments
- Military coup on July 26, 2023, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, deposing President Mohamed Bazoum
- Constitution suspended and all democratic institutions dissolved following the coup
- All political parties dissolved in early 2025; junta adopted flexible five-year transition plan permitting coup leaders to contest future elections
- International media outlets suspended; civil society and humanitarian activities restricted; political opponents targeted
- Local and regional councils abolished in April 2024; former President Bazoum and key figures remain in detention as of 2025
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