Attachments
Antje Herrberg
What is the policy brief about?
The policy brief analyses the Assises Nationales de la Refondation held in Niger in early 2025. It explores the process as a national dialogue aimed at redefining the country’s political order following the 2023 military coup. The brief evaluates the legitimacy, inclusiveness, and implications of the dialogue and the resulting Charter of Refoundation, which functions as a transitional constitution. It reflects on the political, symbolic, and practical dimensions of the transition and assesses potential risks and lessons from comparable processes in the region. It also examines the role of, and implications for, the international community in its engagement strategy with Nigerien authorities.
Why is the topic relevant?
Niger is undergoing a critical transitional phase following a military takeover; the Assises Nationales are presented as a means of re-establishing legitimacy, governance, and national identity. The process is a test of whether national dialogue can be genuinely inclusive and transformative, or whether it risks becoming a tool for power consolidation. The topic is also relevant for international actors due to its broader implications for peace, security, and democratic governance in the Sahel and West Africa.
For whom is it important?
Key stakeholders in Niger’s transition include domestic actors such as political and military authorities who are shaping the new order; youth, civil society, traditional leaders, and marginalised groups seeking political voice; the international community (EU, UN, AU and bilateral partners) navigating how to engage a regime with strong domestic backing but weak democratic credentials; and regional Sahelian countries facing similar governance and legitimacy challenges.
Key recommendations
- Support the participation of all groups, including opposition, civil society, youth, women, and minorities.
- Monitor the implementation process and invest in follow-up bodies to avoid elite capture or prolonged military rule.
- Link support to concrete actions, not just promises.
- Balance principles and pragmatism; support progress without legitimising repression.
- Align constructive engagement without appearing to dictate to avoid further alienation of the authorities and population against ‘Western imperialism’.