The Niger coup d’etat – implications and context
0
0
Soldiers from the West African country of Niger have announced a coup on national TV. They stated that they have dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the nation’s borders. Troops from the presidential guard have been holding Niger President Mohamed Bazoum since early Wednesday.
Niger’s army has declared allegiance to the defence and security forces that overthrew the presidency of Mohamed Bazoum depite his defiant stance and global condemnation of the coup.
In a statement army chief of staff Abdou Sidikou Issa said the decision was necessary to “avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces”.
International reaction and regional instability
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged unwavering support from Washington. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that he had spoken to the president and offered full UN support. Western powers have viewed President Bazoum is a key ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa.
Niger has been a hub for France’s operations against armed groups in the region. The former colonial power had fallen out with it’s former colonies Burkina Faso and Mali who have since sought support from the Russian mercenary group Wagner.
Neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have experienced coups in recent years triggered by a jihadist uprising. In both countries, the new military leaders have fallen out with France, the former colonial power that also ruled Niger.
President Bazoum, who was elected in 2021, is a close ally of France and other Western nations.
After the soldiers’ TV announcement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called for the release of President Bazoum, stating that the actions constituted an effort to seize power through force and disrupt the constitution.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the attempt to seize power by force in Niger. ECOWAS President Patrice Talon arrived in the capital Niamey on a mediation mission and stated that all necessary means would be used if required to restore constitutional order in Niger, but the preference is for a peaceful resolution.
Authority in Niger
President Bazoum’s whereabouts are not clear, but in a statement on Twitter, he said that the hard-won gains will be safeguarded and assured Nigeriens who love democracy that it will prevail. Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou declared himself the head of state and called on all democrats to resist the coup.
During the TV announcement on Wednesday, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, along with nine other uniformed soldiers, stated that they had decided to end the current regime due to the deteriorating security situation and poor economic and social governance.
They further announced the suspension of all national institutions, with the ministers taking care of day-to-day affairs. They requested that external partners refrain from intervening and closed the land and air borders until the situation stabilizes.
A night curfew will be in effect from 22:00 to 05:00 local time until further notice.
The soldiers acted on behalf of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
Protests against coup
Earlier on Wednesday, crowds in Niamey took to the streets in support of President Bazoum. Heavily armed forces loyal to the president were stationed around the national broadcaster.
The city remained mostly peaceful, although the soldiers involved in the coup attempt fired shots to disperse the protests.
Niger is struggling with two Islamist insurgencies, one in the southwest that spilled over from Mali in 2015 and another in the southeast involving jihadists based in northeastern Nigeria.
Militant groups affiliated with both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are active in the country.
Niger has experienced four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, including numerous coup attempts.
