Niger to have its first peaceful transfer of power | General news

Niger is experiencing its first democratic transfer of power with the swearing-in of Mohamed Bazoum as president.

It comes just days after the government said it thwarted a coup attempt by parts of the military.

The West African nation has faced increasing attacks from jihadist groups and political tensions in the country since the February elections.

The inauguration marks the first time that an elected leader has given power to another since independence in 1960.

There was increased security in the capital, Niamey, ahead of the ceremony, two days after soldiers opened fire on the presidential palace in a foiled coup attempt.

The government said security forces arrested several people linked to the coup on Wednesday.

Niger is the poorest country in the world, according to the UN development ranking for 189 countries. It has experienced four military coups, most recently in 2010.

Who is the new president of Niger?

Mr Bazoum, 60, a former interior minister, won more than half the votes in an election in February.

But Mr Bazoum’s main rival, Mahamane Ousmane, rejected the election result and claimed there had been fraud. His supporters staged mass rallies and violence has escalated since the elections.

Mr. Bazoum succeeds Mahamadou Issoufou, who resigned after a decade in power. Last month, the outgoing president received a leadership award of $ 5million (£ 3.6million) – which he could only receive if he stepped down.

One of President Bazoum’s main priorities will be to fight a deadly Islamist insurgency in the west of the country.
Niger has seen an upsurge in suspected jihadist violence, with around 300 dead this year in attacks.

Niger experienced the worst militant attack in its history last month, when suspected jihadists attacked several villages, killing 137 people.