Abdourahamane Tchiani

Stories

Niger's pivot from the West

As of May 2026: Sworn in for five-year term in March 2025

Armed men on motorcycles attacked Niger's main airport and military air base outside Niamey on January 29, 2026, triggering a firefight that left 20 attackers dead and 4 security personnel wounded. Military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the assault, but the Islamic State – Sahel Province claimed responsibility through its Amaq News Agency, and Benin rejected the junta's allegations.

Updated May 26

The Sahel's diplomatic break from the West

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Sworn in as president for five-year term in March 2025

Three West African nations ruled by military juntas just banned Americans from entering their countries. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger (the Alliance of Sahel States) announced reciprocal travel restrictions on January 5, directly mirroring Trump's December expansion of the U.S. travel ban.

Updated May 19

Notable Quotes

We remind the sponsors of those mercenaries, who are Emmanuel Macron, Patrice Talon, and Alassane Ouattara, we have sufficiently heard them bark, and they should now in turn be prepared to hear us roar. — January 30, 2026, accusing France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the airport attack

from Niger's pivot from the West · Updated May 26

"[The alliance has] put an end to all occupation forces in our countries. No country or interest group will decide for our countries anymore." - Statement on AES sovereignty

from The Sahel's diplomatic break from the West · Updated May 19