The head of Niger’s military junta, who took over in a coup in July, formally established a state court and an anti-corruption commision on Thursday.
The two ceremonies to formally establish the transition bodies were televised live by State TV.
In front of newly appointed strongman General Abdourahamane Tiani, who made his public debut on July 26 after spearheading the overthrow of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, members of the court and commision two new entities took an oath.
The inaugurations in the nation’s capital, Niamey, were witnessed by international diplomats, military chiefs, government officials, traditional chiefs, and religious leaders.
The order outlining public powers during a transition phase up to elections states that the new state court will take the place of the state council and court of cassation, which were dissolved following the coup.
The junta has, for the time being, sought a three-year return to civilian governance; however, no election date has been set.
The primary function of the anti-corruption commision will be to retrieve any public property that has been wrongfully taken and unlawfully acquired.
Judges, police, and army personnel, as well as representatives of civil society, make up this group.
How long the transitional period lasts will be decided with the support of a national dialogue that Tiani has committed to host.
Since his overthrow, Bazoum has been detained at his home in the centre of the presidential palace.
Since the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed severe economic sanctions on Niger, which have increased inflation and caused shortages of several goods, including medications.
