BLOG POST | 25 Feb 2025
Niger’s National Dialogue: A genuine path to democratic transition or just political theatre?
Explore key insights from Niger's National Dialogue – the rare sense of unity and ownership, as well as the challenges ahead for the country’s political transition.
By Antje Herrberg
Sitting in the gigantic Mahatma Gandhi Conference Centre in Niamey, where more than 700 people, draped in vibrant fabrics, represent the rich ethnic and regional diversity of Niger, one feels the weight of the moment. The air hums with the rhythm of cultural performances, the solemnity of speeches, and the power of a nation, whose progress has stalled since the coup in 2023 but who feels momentarily united. This is the unmeasured heartbeat of a National Dialogue; beyond policy analysis and procedural assessments, it is an emotional, almost visceral experience of collective identity and shared purpose. In studies on National Dialogues, this deeply human dimension – so essential for charting the path of a country’s future – is rarely accounted for.
From 15 to 20 February 2025, the authorities of Niger hosted a National Dialogue, the Assises Nationales, in Niamey, a pivotal event aimed at defining the country’s political transition or “refoundation”. Organised by the military junta that took power in 2023, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie, CNSP), the gathering sought to foster national unity and dialogue while legitimising the framework and duration of the next governance phase. However, the outcome of the transition remains uncertain.
Over the past decades, sub-Saharan Africa has witnessed multiple National Dialogues, designed as political crisis management tools or as foundations for far-reaching reforms, such as constitutional changes. These have been documented by the Berghof Handbook on National Dialogues, and a recent series on National Dialogues at crossroads.
Many international diplomats and analysts questioned whether Niger, grappling with political isolation and internal instability, could successfully organise and execute such a large-scale dialogue following the 2023 coup. National Dialogues require extensive preparation, including the formation of secretariats and committees, and complex logistical coordination. Yet, despite these challenges, the Assises Nationales proceeded smoothly and culminated on 20 February with the presentation of a synthesis report. This document now serves as the basis for drafting a Charter of Transition, which will guide Niger’s governance over the next five years.
Was the dialogue truly inclusive?
The Assises Nationales were structured around five thematic sub-committees that built on insights from previous regional consultations and formulated concrete recommendations to guide the transition process. Reportedly, the process was considered inclusive, with around 716 representatives from civil society, religious groups, ethnic groups, regional zones, and the security sector, including a substantial number of young people. Counting roughly, women represented approximately 25% of participants, with two female Vice Presidents (out of eight appointed).
The exclusion of political parties as entities raised concerns about genuine political representation. While individual politicians participated in sub-committees, the absence of formal party representation clearly signalled an intent to limit political parties in the future, possibly shifting Niger's political culture toward a more state-controlled model.
A symbol of national sovereignty with a diplomatic fallout?
The Assises were staged as a historic moment of national unity, with cultural displays and strong rhetoric against foreign interference, including a refusal to accept external financing.
The dialogue also emphasised security concerns, highlighting the need for the army to be equipped with adequate resources. Previously reliant on French military support, the new leadership stressed the importance of domestic control over security forces and their resourcing. Furthermore, reportedly there was a strong emphasis on national resources and economic self-sufficiency.
The event’s pivot towards self-reliance leaves the international community uncertain about how to engage with its outcomes. Niger's increasing alignment with Russia, China, and the Alliance of Sahel States (Burkina Faso and Mali), which held a summit just two days after the Assises, may affect its relationships with traditional Western partners. If and when the international community, in particular the European Union, is looking to a possible re-engagement, it will require at a minimum some proof of transparency and certainty that the results of the Assises will be implemented.
While the Assises provided a structured framework for Niger’s political transition ahead, the real challenge lies in its execution. A monitoring mechanism is critical to the implementation of the Charter to prevent selective or stalled implementation.
Conclusion: A step forward or a rebranding of military rule?
The February 2025 National Dialogue has set the foundation for Niger’s transition; whether it will lead to genuine democratic reform – in a uniquely African way – or serve as a cover for a rebranding of military rule remains uncertain. On the one hand, the process was seemingly inclusive and structured and addressed key governance and security issues. On the other hand, serious concerns remain over the length of the transition period, limited political party participation, and the military’s dominant role in shaping the future government.
Ultimately, and despite their imperfections, the Assises Nationales provided participants with a rare sense of unity and ownership over their country’s future. While unconventional by Western democratic standards, the symbolic and emotional momentum displayed a uniquely Nigerien consensus. As the international community deliberates its engagement with Niger’s authorities, it would do well to move beyond swift judgment and consider a posture of constructive engagement, listening, and where possible, meaningful support.
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