Five key takeaways of the coup in Niger as at Date
On 26 July 2023, Niger witnessed its fifth coup d'état since independence, when the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum and declared General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new head of state. The coup has plunged the country into a political crisis and raised concerns about regional stability and security. Here are five key takeaways of the coup in Niger:
- The coup leader is a close ally of the former president. General Tchiani was the commander of the presidential guard and a loyalist of former President Mahamadou Issoufou, who stepped down in 2021 after two terms in office. He was also involved in foiling a previous coup attempt in March 2021, just before Bazoum's inauguration. Some analysts suggest that Tchiani may have been motivated by personal ambition or dissatisfaction with Bazoum's policies, especially his decision to appoint a prime minister from the opposition party.
- The citizens are divided over the coup. While some people celebrated the coup and waved Russian flags in the capital Niamey, others denounced it as a setback for democracy and human rights. Niger has been praised for its democratic transition in 2021, when Bazoum became the first elected president to succeed another in the country's history. However, the election was marred by allegations of fraud and violence, and Bazoum's main rival, Mahamane Ousmane, refused to concede defeat and claimed to be the legitimate winner.
- France is willing to intervene to restore the ousted president. France, which has about 5,000 troops stationed in Niger as part of its counter-terrorism operation in the Sahel region, condemned the coup and called for the immediate release of Bazoum. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that France would not hesitate to use "all means" to ensure the respect of Niger's constitutional order and democratic institutions. France has a strategic interest in Niger, which is a major supplier of uranium for its nuclear power plants.
- Nigeria cut off electricity supply to Niger. Nigeria, which is Niger's largest trading partner and neighbor, reacted to the coup by suspending its electricity supply to Niger. Nigeria provides about 80% of Niger's electricity needs through a bilateral agreement. The Nigerian government said that the decision was taken to show solidarity with Bazoum and to pressure the coup leaders to restore democracy. The electricity cut-off could worsen Niger's already fragile economy and social conditions.
- The regional bloc ECOWAS is divided over the coup. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is a regional organization of 15 countries, including Niger, issued an ultimatum to the coup leaders to release Bazoum and return to constitutional order within a week or face possible military intervention. However, some ECOWAS members, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also experienced coups in recent years, have expressed support for the coup in Niger and called for dialogue and reconciliation. The divergent views among ECOWAS members could weaken its credibility and effectiveness in resolving the crisis.
2 comments
Daniel
Iour Africa needs overhauling we need massive form of restructuring. Soo much corruptuon
2023-08-07 06:46:30
Reply
Richhmond
I think Africa needs some kind revolution to reset the minds of our leaders. Corruption is everywhere but African leaders make make it way too obvious. Which infuriates its citizens
2023-08-07 02:09:15
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