Niger Launches Inclusive National Dialogue to Shape Political Transition
Niger is set to embark on a critical phase of its political transition as the Inclusive National Dialogue officially opens in Niamey on February 15, 2025. This highly anticipated national conference, announced by General Abdourahamane Tiani in August 2023, will run until February 19 and is expected to set the foundation for the country’s governance while determining the duration of the transition period.
The dialogue follows extensive consultations held in early 2024 across Niger’s eight regions, aiming to incorporate diverse perspectives into the transition process. The primary goal of the conference is to define key governance priorities while ensuring broad representation from various sectors of society.
To oversee the discussions, a specially formed national commission has been established under the leadership of traditional ruler Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingareye. The commission includes a diverse group of stakeholders such as former ministers, academics, legal experts, military officers, advisors to General Tiani, religious figures, and representatives from civil society organizations.
A total of 674 participants are expected to take part in the conference, representing a wide spectrum of Nigerien society, including government officials, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and members of the defense and security forces. Their collective input is anticipated to shape the country’s future policies and governance structures.
The dialogue is structured around five thematic sub-commissions, each focusing on a critical area of national concern:
- Peace, Security, and National Reconciliation: Addressing ongoing security challenges and fostering unity within the country.
- Political and Institutional Reform: Evaluating the current political framework and proposing necessary reforms.
- Justice and Human Rights: Ensuring legal and human rights protections for all citizens.
- Economic and Social Development: Outlining strategies for sustainable growth and development.
- Social Cohesion: Promoting inclusion and strengthening national identity.
By early March 2025, the commission is expected to present its final report to General Tiani, marking a pivotal milestone in Niger’s transition process. The conclusions drawn from the discussions will be instrumental in shaping the country’s future governance framework and addressing key socio-political and economic challenges.
This national dialogue comes at a crucial time for Niger, following the country’s official withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, 2024. Alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger has formed the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), a regional bloc aimed at fostering stronger cooperation and self-reliance among the three nations.
The international community will closely monitor the outcomes of this dialogue, as Niger seeks to navigate its transition toward stability, peace, and long-term prosperity. The successful implementation of the dialogue’s recommendations could serve as a model for political transitions in the broader Sahel region.
