Abdourahamane Tiani

Abdourahamane Tiani is the General who leads the military government in Niger, having seized power in a 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. He is newsworthy due to recent accusations he has made against foreign leaders and the EU, as well as his government's diplomatic activities. Tiani has accused the presidents of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring an attack on Niamey's international airport, a claim made without evidence, while thanking Russian troops for their assistance. ISIL has claimed responsibility for the airport attack. The EU parliament is calling for the release of ousted President Bazoum, which has sparked mixed reactions. Tiani's government is also working to improve relations with Algeria, following a period of diplomatic tension. A visit to Algeria by Tiani and a return visit to Niamey by the Algerian Prime Minister signal a renewed focus on cooperation between the two countries. He is also mentioned in the context of a Malian journalist being jailed for questioning his statements.