The World Reacts to Military Coup in Niger
Russia’s Wagner boss has publicly called the coup in Niger “good news” and has offered his fighter’s military power to aid the success of General Tchiani.
Coup supporters take to the streets after the army seized power in Niamey, Niger on July 27, 2023. The Nigerien presidency confirmed on Wednesday that a coup attempt had been carried out. Photo by Anadolu Images
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n July 28, General Abdourahmane Tchiani was appointed as the new head of state through a military coup in Niger, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. General Tchiani and the supporting military forces cited the countries weak security situation and overall ineffective governance as motivations for their actions.
Some analysts speculate that internal power struggles, rather than security concerns, are the true driving forces behind General Tchiani’s actions. President Bazoum has made little commentary since Thursday, only writing “The hard-won gains will be safeguarded,” and “All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this,” on the social media platform X, previously called Twitter. His location is unknown although it is likely he is being held in the presidential palace.
Large swaths of Niger’s locals approve of the coup, agreeing with the claims of lack of security, specifically in the face of radical militants spreading across the Sahel region. Pro-coup locals hope that this change of power will provide increased protection from this threat. Other grievances from citizens include governmental corruption and difficult economic conditions. In addition, the coup represents the fruits of anti-French attitudes that are held by many in Niger due to France’s colonial history in the country.
Protests supporting General Tchiani, and against the former president’s pro-Western leanings, were seen in the capital, with protestors waving Niger’s and Russia’s flag. Chants in support of Russia’s Putin, Niger’s army and against France were heard during these protests. Pro-coup protestors also burned the French flag and threw stones at the French mission in the capital.
French president Emmanuel Macron responded by saying that their government “will not tolerate any attack on France or its interests.” Russia’s Wagner boss has publicly called the coup “good news” and has offered his fighter’s military power to aid the success of General Tchiani. Wagner is operational in bordering Mali and in other African nations including the Central African Republic.
The world reacts to the coup
Conversely, Niger’s locals have also organized anti-coup protests attended by hundreds across the nation. African and Western countries as well as local and global organizations maintain a backing for the president. The European Union warned of freezing financial support to Niger while the United States may withhold cooperation with Niger’s government. For anti-coup parties, democracy should prevail. In addition, Niger has been a strong ally of the West to combat insurgencies. Western powers are concerned with the possibility of this coup expanding Russian influence in the country.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS) held a summit three days after the coup took place, agreeing that Bazoum should return to his position as president within a week time. If this does not happen, the Community has vowed to use “force” on top of already imposed sanctions on Niger. At the moment, it is unclear what force Niger may face from the ECOWAS.
Niger’s prime minister under President Bazoum has warned that sanctions will be “catastrophic” as Niger “is a country that will not be able to resist these kinds of sanctions.” Sanctions imposed by ECOWAS in other countries have generally been ineffective and have had negative impacts on civilian populations rather than the intended coup governments.
Additional results of this summit include the immediate shutting of Niger’s borders, banning of commercial flights, halted financial transactions, and frozen national assets and aid. U.S Secretary of State Anthony Blinken agreed with ECOWAS’ decisions and called for the immediate release of the president and that state functions be restored under the democratically elected government.
The United Nations said it would still deliver aid in Niger even though it had not had any contact with the military since the coup. U.S: “cease security and other cooperation with the government of Niger.”
General Tchiani’s military actions and supporting civilians represent well established anti-French sentiments and aspirations to create a new power structure while anti-coup individuals and forces seek to maintain the status quo in the region.
