The head of Niger’s military government, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, has reshuffled the country’s council of governors.
General Tchiani dropped the governors of the regions of Damagaram and Dosso, replacing them with new appointees.
The military leader in the reshuffle also dropped the deputy governor of the Tassara district, and appointed a new ambassador to Chad, besides slating a new director for the country’s national communication company.
These changes have come at a time when some citizens are calling for the suspension of military appointments so that soldiers could return to the frontline where their expertise is most needed.
However, others believe the appointment of military officials will strengthen security in regions like Dosso which has recently been facing threats from armed groups particularly the Lakurawa bandits.
These changes at the head are, therefore, going to strongly influence the manner in which this administration runs the security and public functions of the country, with most observers viewing this reshuffle as a calculated strategy toward ensuring better national stability.
The appointment of military men into key governmental positions is thought to be for better managing such challenges, especially in places where the threats by bandits and insurgents have grown to be highly compelling.
While there are mixed reactions to the reshuffle, a common agreement seems to be that the country’s security needs to become a priority; hence, the new appointments are termed as a response to the growing concerns in certain areas.
Niger’s military leader reshuffle government amid rising security concerns