President Bazoum was elected President of Niger in 2021 marking the first time in Niger’s history that a peaceful transition had taken place from one democratically elected leader to another. He is a seasoned politician who has served multiple positions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He founded the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism in the 1990s and was elected to the National Assembly in 1993. He is the first Diffa Arab president of Niger. Niger has a population of approximately 24 million, with 99% Muslim. In July 2023 a coup d’état saw General Abdourahamane Tchiani seize control of the country and put President Bazoum under house arrest. Bazoum remains defiant and has international support.