In the wake of a military coup in Niger and condemnation from international bodies, the uncertainty raises concerns about regional stability.
As dawn broke over Niamey, the capital city of Niger, a startling announcement was made yesterday on national television – soldiers had detained President Mohamed Bazoum and declared an end to the current regime. A cascade of reactions from regional and international bodies followed, denouncing the move as an attempted coup. This situation not only exacerbates an already turbulent political landscape in Niger but also portends significant economic implications set to reverberate across the region.
Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned the military “acting in total betrayal of their republican duty,” urging the “felon soldiers” to return to their barracks in a statement late yesterday. Despite the plea and international condemnation, the president remains in custody, leaving the country teetering on the precipice of uncertainty. The regional bloc, ECOWAS, also decried the situation, imploring the soldiers to release the president immediately.
The coup is reportedly led by the presidential guard, who have taken Bazoum and several ministers captive. According to AFP sources, the president and the ministers are safe and unharmed. The situation remains fluid, and information is limited.
Beyond the immediate political upheaval, the long-term economic implications could be damning. If the situation further deteriorates, Niger, which ranks near the bottom of the United Nation’s (UN) Human Development Index and grapples with two jihadist campaigns, could face even more significant challenges. Already struggling with widespread poverty and insecurity, an unstable government could further discourage foreign investment and aid, potentially stifling the nation’s growth prospects.
Moreover, the country’s crucial mining sector, which includes uranium and gold, could face dire consequences. A destabilized government often leads to supply disruptions, which could send shockwaves through global commodity markets and impact Niger’s revenue streams, considering mining accounts for a significant chunk of the nation’s GDP.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a media briefing on the situation yesterday, observed: “Whether this constitutes a coup technically or not, I can’t say… but what it clearly constitutes is an effort to seize power by force and to disrupt the constitution.” This disruption could signify a regression from the democratic principles the nation has been striving to uphold since its last coup in 2010.
In a regional context, the fallout from this coup attempt can further destabilize the Sahel region. Neighboring countries of Mali and Burkina Faso, which have both experienced military coups in recent years due to escalating jihadist insurgencies, contribute to the region’s instability.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for democratic governance, peace, and stability, denouncing any efforts to seize power by force. In a statement yesterday, the UN pledged unwavering support to the government and people of Niger: “The Secretary-General calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint and to ensure the protection of constitutional order,” Guterres said.
As Niger teeters on the brink, the region and the world watch closely, hopeful for a swift and peaceful resolution.