PARIS — The ongoing military coup in Niger poses a significant threat to one of the West’s last allies in the Sahel region.
On Wednesday night, Niger’s top military officials made a shocking announcement on national television, declaring that they had overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021.
Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, speaking on behalf of the Defense and Security Forces united within the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, cited the continuous deterioration of the security situation and poor economic and social governance as reasons behind the regime change.
This coup has raised concerns for the West, particularly for France and the United States, both of which share strong ties with Niger. The country has been a strategic partner in the fight against Islamist terrorism, earning praise as “one of the most reliable U.S. allies” in countering threats from al Qaeda, Islamic State, and Boko Haram. Moreover, Niger has remained one of the few Sahel nations not cooperating closely with Russia, a factor that further strengthens its significance to Western interests.
While there are no concrete indications of Moscow’s involvement in the coup, the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary outfit led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed responsibility for it. Prigozhin portrayed the coup as the people of Niger’s struggle against colonialism and asserted that Wagner’s presence had facilitated this outcome, citing their ability to maintain order and combat terrorists.
For France, the forced removal of President Bazoum marks another setback in the region, coming not long after French troops had to withdraw from neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, essentially ending the Barkhane operation. Paris has deployed approximately 1,500 French soldiers in Niger, aiming to establish a new kind of military relationship based on equal cooperation between France and African governments.
The French government has expressed concerns about the events in Niger and strongly condemned any attempt to seize power by force. French citizens living in Niger have been advised to restrict movements and follow safety instructions.
In response to the coup, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Niger. The U.S. emphasized that its economic and security partnership with Niger depends on the continuation of democratic governance, respect for the rule of law, and human rights.
The timing of the coup presents challenges for France and the U.S., as French President Emmanuel Macron is currently on a five-day visit to the Indo-Pacific region with his Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and most of his staff. At the same time, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also present in the region.
The situation remains fluid, and the international community closely watches how events will unfold in Niger and what implications this coup may have on the stability of the region and the interests of France and the United States in West Africa.
Source: With Agencies