A Year After Niger’s First Democratic Transition Of Power, Progress Must Start With President Mohamed Bazoum

Mohamed Bazoum became President of Niger in April of 2021 after he won a February run-off election. His predecessor, Mahamadou Issoufou , stepped down after two terms. It was the first handover from one democratically elected president to another in Niger’s history.

While former president Issoufou gave up his power willingly, the transition of power was not completely peaceful. The election results were contested by opposition candidate Mahamane Ousmane and protests following the election resulted in deaths, arrests, and a nationwide internet shutdown.

Amnesty International reported that in the aftermath of the protests, at least 470 people were arrested. The organization called for restraint from authorities and protection for peaceful protestors.

Like much of the Sahel region, Niger faces severe volatility and vulnerability. In addition to facing the adverse effects of climate factors, Niger has also been destabilized by armed terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.

According to the U.S. State Department, Niger is the least developed country in the world. This has left it vulnerable to the detrimental effects of numerous crises. Its economy is not well diversified and is susceptible to a plethora of factors. In Niger, agriculture accounts for roughly 40 percent of the national GDP despite regional aridity.

The economy has been further destabilized by extenuating factors such as harsh weather, terrorism, and the covid-19 pandemic. According to data from the World Bank, 41.8 percent of the population were living in extreme poverty in 2021.

As President, Mohamed Bazoum faces many challenges but also has many opportunities for improvement and monumental change.

Over the past seven years prior to Bazoum’s inauguration, Niger’s Corruption Perception Index was on a consistently downward trend. In 2021, Transparency International gave Niger a score of just 31, ranking as the 124th nation in the world.

Prior to becoming President, Mohamed Bazoum had held numerous positions in Niger’s federal government for decades. He held titles such as Minister of the Interior, Minister of Foreign Affairs, member of parliament, and leader of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism.

As the nation of Niger moves forward, progress is dependent upon development, not just in regards to infrastructure and the economy but also politically and institutionally. The prioritization of human rights, democratic values, and the interests of civilians are all instrumental to the success of Niger as it treks further into President Mohamed Bouzam’s first term in office.

As the first democratic transition of presidential power in the nation’s history, Bouzam’s presidency has the opportunity to signify a new era of hope and democratic principles in Nigerien politics. However, this is dependent on Bouzam governing with transparency and not only promoting stability but also an emphasis on human rights.

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A year after Niger’s first democratic transition of power, progress must start with President Mohamed Bazoum

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