Niger, a former French colony in West Africa, has announced that it will withdraw its cooperation with France and expel its troops and ambassador following a military coup that ousted the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum. The coup leaders, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, said they were acting to restore security and stability in the country, which faces multiple threats from Islamist insurgents and ethnic militias. They also accused France of interfering in Niger’s internal affairs and exploiting its natural resources, especially uranium.
France, which has maintained a military presence in Niger for decades to help fight terrorism in the Sahel region, condemned the coup and declared the new regime illegitimate. It also said it would begin withdrawing its soldiers and diplomats from Niger this week, coordinating with the Nigerien authorities. France has about 1,000 troops stationed in Niger as part of its regional counter-terrorism operation Barkhane, which also involves Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Burkina Faso.
The coup in Niger is the latest in a series of political upheavals in the Sahel, where several countries have experienced military takeovers or popular protests in recent years. Mali and Burkina Faso have witnessed two coups since 2020, while Guinea and Sudan have also seen their leaders toppled by soldiers this year. The instability has worsened the security and humanitarian situation in the region, where millions of people are displaced by violence and face food insecurity and disease outbreaks.
The international community, including the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, has expressed concern over the coup in Niger and called for a swift return to constitutional order and democratic governance. They have also urged the coup leaders to respect human rights and release President Bazoum and other detained officials. Some regional actors, such as Nigeria and Algeria, have offered to mediate between the parties and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranked last on the Human Development Index. It has a population of about 24 million people, most of whom live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. It is also rich in natural resources, such as uranium, gold, oil, and coal, but suffers from corruption and mismanagement. Despite its challenges, Niger has been seen as a model of democracy in Africa, having held several peaceful elections since 1999.
The future of Niger remains uncertain, as the coup leaders have not yet announced their plans or a roadmap for a transition. Some analysts fear that the coup could trigger more violence and instability in the country and the region, while others hope it could open a window of opportunity for dialogue and reform. The people of Niger, who have long endured poverty and insecurity, are waiting for a change that will improve their lives and prospects.
Source: France 24
