The Nigerien Crisis

Intense negotiations were underway on Wednesday within the highest echelons of the Nigerien government. President Mohamed Bazoum found himself held captive in Niamey by the presidential guard following failed talks. The military had issued an ultimatum to the guard, as confirmed by a source close to the presidency. Initially, the Nigerien presidency took to Twitter to declare that elements of the presidential guard had displayed behavior contrary to the principles of the republic. They sought the support of the national armed forces and the national guard, but their efforts proved futile. The army and national guard were prepared to take action against the guard if they refused to change their behavior. The presidency, however, reassured the public that the president and his family were safe.

Mediation Attempts and International Condemnation

As the day drew to a close, President Bazoum remained confined to his residence, despite mediation attempts made by his predecessor, Mahamadou Issoufou. In a show of support for the head of state, a small group of protesters gathered in the center of Niamey. The attempted coup has been met with strong condemnation from various international bodies, including the UN, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United States, Algeria, the European Union, and France. France, in particular, expressed concern over the unfolding events in Niger and emphasized its close monitoring of the situation. Furthermore, France lent its support to the calls made by the AU and ECOWAS to restore the integrity of Niger's democratic institutions.

Implications for the Sahel Region

The ousting of the Nigerien president carries significant implications for the Sahel region, particularly for France. France has deployed approximately 1,500 troops in Niger since the conclusion of the French anti-jihadist operation Barkhane and the withdrawal of French forces from Mali. Mali and Burkina Faso, neighboring countries of Niger, are currently under military leadership and have sought partnerships with other nations, including Russia. This coup has the potential to further shift the power dynamics in the Sahel, potentially to the detriment of Western countries.

A Familiar Scenario in West Africa

The scene of soldiers interrupting national television broadcasts to proclaim the removal of a president has become all too familiar in West Africa. Following the coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021, as well as the coups in Burkina Faso in 2022, it is now Niger's turn to experience the upheaval caused by mutinous soldiers seizing power. The coup took place around midnight on July 26, with ten soldiers appearing on Nigerien national television. Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, the spokesperson for the National Committee for the Safeguard of the Republic, announced the end of President Bazoum's regime. He cited the deteriorating security situation, as well as poor economic and social governance. Abdramane also declared the suspension of all institutions from the Seventh Republic, the closure of borders, and the implementation of a curfew.

Addressing the Crisis and Protecting Democracy

The international community, including the ECOWAS, must now take decisive action to address the domino effect of coups in the region. It is imperative for the ECOWAS to recognize that negotiations with coup leaders yield little success. Instead, they should set clear ultimatums and staunchly defend democracy and human rights through any means necessary. Swift action is crucial to prevent further destabilization and safeguard democratic progress in the region. Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria and the newly appointed leader of the ECOWAS, should take the lead in addressing this pressing issue. Additionally, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) now faces the added burden of managing another major crisis alongside those in Mali and Burkina Faso. Investors in Niger's treasury bonds and obligations will undoubtedly closely monitor the situation.

Words of the day

ultimatum : ultimatum

domino effect : effet domino