Niger’s newly-elected President Mohamed Bazoum was sworn into power on Friday in the capital, Niamey, reported Africa News.
The swearing-in ceremony, which was held at the Mahatma Gandhi conference center, was attended by dozens of foreign dignitaries, government representatives from 20 countries including Turkey’s Vice President Fuat Oktay. It marked the first-ever transition between elected presidents in Niger’s six decades of independence from France
The swearing-in was held after a failed coup attempt on Tuesday night when a military unit tried to seize the presidential palace. The government said security forces arrested several people connected to the coup on Wednesday.
The 61-year-old won a contested presidential runoff vote in February to succeed Mahamadou Issoufou, who stepped down voluntarily after completing his two five-year terms in office. Bazoum is a former interior minister and right-hand man of outgoing President Issoufou.
He secured 55.6 percent of the votes, according to official results contested by his opponent, Mahamane Ousmane. Ousmane is still contesting the results and on 22 March, he called on the opposition to boycott the national assembly and on the army to disregard orders from an illegal and illegitimate authority.
Bazoum’s victory was confirmed by Niger’s Constitutional Court on March 21.
“I will work for peace, progress, and happiness of all Nigeriens,” Issoufou’s successor said after taking over the office.
In his speech after the swearing-in ceremony, he promised to reform the Nigerien education system with an emphasis on educating young girls. He also turned his attention to the need to tackle corruption and improve security.
The West African nation is facing increasing attacks by jihadist groups and political tensions in the country since the election in February. The country’s battle against militants linked to ISIL, Boko Haram and other groups was central to Bazoum’s address. He also hinted at plans to help Mali fight terrorism.
