TEXT & CONTEXT: COUPS IN NIGER; CAUSES AND CONCERNS
Current Affairs for 04th August, 2023
TEXT & CONTEXT: COUPS IN NIGER; CAUSES AND CONCERNS
Niger's military ousted its President Mohamed Bazoum, with the head of Niger's presidential guard, Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaiming himself to be the head of the transitional government. Bazoum had come to power in 2021 through the country's first democratic elections. The constitution is dismissed, all institutions suspended, and the national borders closed.
The military has blamed worsening insecurity and economic crisis for ousting the regime. Despite the presence of U.S. and French troops, Niger was unable to address the insurgency situation. In 2022 Niger held the sixth-highest civilian death toll, according to Global Terrorism Index 2023.
In response, the UN has suspended humanitarian operations in Niger, while the EU has halted all security cooperation. UN, France and Germany have also condemned the coup. Amidst countries facing coups in the region, Niger stood out with its 2021 elections. It shared good relations with the west, especially with the US and France.
Rich in Uranium, it produces 7% of global supplies and has been exporting a quarter of it to France. However, anti-French sentiments were going on since mid-2022. It followed when Mr. Bazoum's government approved the re-employment of France's Barkhane force in Niger. The coup has raised uncertainty over Niger's uranium export.
The region is divided between the ECOWAS and Niger's immediate neighbors- Mali and Burkina Faso. The AU Peace and Security Council called on the military to re-establish constitutional authority within a maximum of 15 days.
Leaders of ECOWAS, the bloc of West African countries, announced the financial sanctions against the junta and the immediate installation of a no-fly zone over Niger for all commercial flights. Mali and Burkina Faso have announced solidarity with the coup makers.
Since independence in 1960, Niger has experienced four coups and several others attempted. The latest attempt was in 2021 before Bazoum was sworn in. There have been five military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea since 2020.