By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Niger’s military junta has proposed a five-year transition period of military rule before returning power to civilians.
The announcement was made during a recent summit, where Salha Haladou, head of the Economic and Sustainable Development Committee, presented the plan.
The proposal includes aligning Niger’s economy with the Sahel region’s AES economic policies, reducing the government workforce to cut costs, rejecting LGBT+ initiatives, and tightening control over media and social platforms.
Additionally, the junta has approved mandatory military service for all young citizens who complete their education.
The plan has sparked mixed reactions. Some citizens and regional allies support the reforms, citing the need for stability and economic integration.
However, critics, including human rights groups and Western nations, worry about the impact on democratic freedoms and the extended timeline for military rule.
Niger faces ongoing challenges, including security threats from extremist groups and economic difficulties.
The junta’s ability to implement these reforms while maintaining public trust will be closely watched in the coming months.