Niger: Uncertainty looms as military ousts President Bazoum

In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves throughout the region, Niger’s military officers announced on national television Wednesday night that they had successfully overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum.
This unexpected development has plunged the nation into a state of uncertainty and raised concerns about the future of Niger.
The announcement came after a day of heightened tension and stalled negotiations, during which the country’s presidential guard held President Bazoum hostage. In a statement, the military officers explained that they had taken this drastic step to “put an end to the regime” of President Bazoum, citing escalating insecurity and poor governance as the reasons behind their actions. Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a member of the Nigerian air force, made the announcement and also revealed that the country’s borders would be closed.
The implications of this military coup are significant, as they could potentially disrupt the delicate power balance in West Africa, a region that is already grappling with coups, civil unrest, and widespread insecurity. Niger, with its strategic location in Africa’s Sahel region, has been a key ally for Western countries, particularly in the fight against Islamist insurgencies in neighbouring nations.
Both the United States and France, Niger’s former colonial power, have a substantial military presence in the country, with troops and drone bases. However, with President Bazoum now held hostage and uncertainty surrounding his fate, the future of Niger’s partnership with these nations remains uncertain.
Experts warn that the unfolding drama in the capital city of Niamey could potentially escalate the current power struggles in the region. As ageing leaders across the continent desperately cling to power, ambitious young military officers are jostling for control. This power vacuum, combined with the unpredictable situation in Niger, could fuel further instability in an already volatile region.
The recent coup in Niger has sent shockwaves throughout the international community, prompting a swift response from key global players. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wasted no time in calling for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, adding to the growing pressure on the coup plotters to step down.
Blinken’s statement was echoed by the United Nations, the European Union, and various regional bodies, all demanding Bazoum’s release and condemning the attempted coup.
The news of the coup quickly spread across the capital city of Niamey, leading to protests by several hundred citizens who demanded President Bazoum’s freedom. Unfortunately, these protests took a violent turn as the presidential guard reportedly opened fire to disperse the crowd. This display of force only further escalated the situation, exacerbating tensions and causing concern for the safety and well-being of the Nigerien people.
At the helm of the regional body ECOWAS is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, who now finds himself at the epicenter of yet another political crisis, only weeks into his presidency.
ECOWAS wasted no time in denouncing the attempted coup and joining the international chorus in calling for Bazoum’s unconditional release.
If confirmed, the coup in Niger would mark the sixth such event in West Africa since 2020, following similar incidents in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. This alarming trend raises concerns about the stability and security of the region, as well as the impact on the socio-economic development of these nations.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the recent coup in Sudan, which took place in November 2021 and subsequently led to a devastating conflict in April of this year. The fallout from the Sudanese coup serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences that can arise from such political upheavals, leaving the international community on high alert.
The European Union has long viewed Niger as a vital partner in efforts to curb illegal immigration from Africa. As such, they had committed to providing $1.3 billion to help diversify Niger’s oil-dependent economy, and had also made significant investments in the country’s education sector. However, the recent turn of events has undoubtedly cast doubt on the future of these partnerships and the EU’s ability to work effectively with Niger to address shared challenges.
In an interview, Ulf Laessing of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation suggested that discontent within certain segments of the military may have played a role in fueling the coup. Laessing noted that sections of the military that did not receive funding or support from Western partners may have felt marginalised under President Bazoum’s rule.
This highlights the complexities and competing interests that often underlie political crises, particularly within military establishments.