Johannesburg — The city of Niamey in Niger witnessed a large turnout of protesters on Thursday, demonstrating against the sanctions imposed on the country by neighboring nations following a military takeover. The protests were marked by supporters of the coup brandishing Russian flags, raising concerns about Russia’s growing influence in the region. The events in Niamey have been fueled by anti-Western sentiment, particularly directed towards France, the former colonial power. The president of Niger was detained by his own elite guard on July 26, leading to the current crisis.
In response to the escalating situation, the US State Department ordered the evacuation of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Niger. This decision followed the evacuation efforts of France and other European nations. The State Department clarified that the evacuation was a precautionary measure due to the ongoing developments in Niger. The US embassy in Niamey remained open for limited emergency services, but the Pentagon suspended security cooperation with the Nigerien military forces. However, the US has refrained from labeling the events as a coup, instead referring to it as an “attempted power grab.”
Niger, a vital partner to the US in the volatile African region, could face severe consequences if the events are classified as a coup under US law. This would trigger a review of American assistance to the country and may result in a complete cut of ties. Currently, there are no plans to withdraw the nearly 1,100 US soldiers stationed in Niger.
Niger’s detained president, Mohamed Bazoum, is considered a key ally in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel region. Russia has been increasing its influence in this region, including through the deployment of mercenaries in Mali, which shares a border with Niger. The recent attack on the French embassy in Niamey by protesters further strained relations between France and Niger, prompting France to initiate evacuation operations.
On Niger’s Independence Day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured President Bazoum of the White House’s commitment to restoring the democratically elected government. President Biden also released a statement calling for the release of President Bazoum and his family, emphasizing the US’s support for Niger’s hard-earned democracy.
In response to the crisis, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Niger and has expressed willingness to use force if Bazoum’s government is not reinstated by August 6. However, coup leader Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani firmly rejected the sanctions and international pressure, vowing not to reinstate Bazoum. ECOWAS has sent a delegation to mediate with the coup leaders, and West African defense chiefs are meeting to discuss the situation and explore potential solutions.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Gen. Salifou Mody, a member of Niger’s post-coup leadership, has visited Mali and Burkina Faso to discuss the possibility of deploying Wagner forces to support the junta. The situation remains tense, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in Niger.
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