Niger's top court confirms Bazoum as next president

FILE PHOTO: Niger’s ruling party candidate Mohamed Bazoum addresses his supporters after he was declared the winner of presidential election in Niamey, Niger February 23, 2021. REUTERS/Tagaza Djibo NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

NIAMEY (Reuters) - Niger's top court on Sunday confirmed Mohamed Bazoum's victory in last month's presidential run-off, allowing the ruling party candidate to be sworn into office next month.

Bazoum's inauguration on April 2 will mark the West African country's first transfer of power from one democratically-elected leader to another. President Mahamadou Issoufou is stepping down after two five-year terms.