In the midst of an ongoing drama, Niger’s junta has taken a controversial step by revoking several military cooperation agreements with France. This decision could have far-reaching implications for the fight against Islamist insurgents in the region, particularly after the recent ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Similar to other recent coups in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, the military takeover in Niger occurred amidst a growing wave of anti-French sentiment. Locals accused France, the former colonial ruler, of meddling in their affairs.
France currently has 1,000 to 1,500 troops stationed in Niger, supporting efforts to combat insurgency by groups affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State, which have been destabilizing the Sahel region in West Africa.
The junta’s announcement of the revocation of five military deals with France, spanning from 1977 to 2020, was made on national television by junta representative Amadou Abdramane. A diplomatic notice will be sent to France, though there has been no immediate response from the country.
In response to Bazoum’s ouster, Niger’s regional and Western partners, including France, have imposed extensive sanctions to pressure the coup leaders into restoring constitutional order. This coup marks the seventh in West and Central Africa since 2020.
Despite the pressure, junta leader Abdourahamane Tiani, the former head of Niger’s presidential guard, has remained adamant and garnered support from the juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso. He justified the takeover by citing persistent insecurity, although data on attacks in the country suggests a contrary trend of improving security.
Bazoum, the ousted president, has expressed his plight as a hostage in an opinion piece published in the Washington Post. He called upon the international community to help restore constitutional order, highlighting the devastating consequences the coup could have for Niger, the region, and the world.
In another sign of resistance against former allies, Niger suspended broadcasts of French state-funded international news outlets France 24 and RFI. This move received condemnation from the French foreign ministry, mirroring similar actions taken by the juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also expelled French troops, some of whom are now stationed in Niger.
The situation has led to protests in the capital, Niamey, with demonstrators expressing opposition to foreign pressure on the coup leaders. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the main regional bloc, has threatened the use of force if Bazoum is not reinstated by a specified date.
The junta is at odds with ECOWAS, which takes a firm stance against coups, aiming to prevent democratic backslide in West Africa. An ECOWAS delegation is in Niamey, attempting to reach a conclusive and amicable resolution, while the bloc’s defense chiefs have been discussing potential military responses as a last resort.
The junta warns against any aggression or attempted aggression from ECOWAS, stating that such actions would be met with an immediate response from Niger’s armed forces against any ECOWAS member-state, except those friendly to Niger. Mali and Burkina Faso have pledged support to Niger and consider any intervention in the country as a “declaration of war” against them. In fact, Tiani has dispatched a general to both countries to bolster support.
Is this not a clear case of self-sabotage? Can Niger handle the Islamist insurgency without external support? Stay tuned as Federal Character News brings you the latest updates on the Niger coup.
