Two years after the dramatic overthrow of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum on 26 July 2023, Niger remains firmly under military control. The coup, led by the then-head of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, plunged the Sahelian nation into political turmoil, severing key international ties and raising concerns about regional stability.
The events unfolded rapidly when members of the presidential guard detained President Bazoum. The army command later declared its support for the takeover to “avoid a deadly confrontation,” cementing the military’s grip on power.
The new leadership, known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), suspended the constitution and justified its actions by citing deteriorating security, economic hardship, and the perceived excessive influence of Western powers, particularly former colonial ruler France.
Initially, the coup was met with support from some citizens who took to the streets of Niamey. However, two years later, the promises of the junta have been met with a harsh reality. According to Africa Affairs Analyst Koffi Kouakou, the situation is complex.
“It’s a mix of, on one side, a popular revolt against the political class… but on the other side, it’s a coup d’état,” he stated, highlighting the dual nature of the power shift. He added, “The political class has failed the people for the last 60 years. So the people are saying, ‘Look, we want something new’.”
SMread: UK plans to recognise Palestinian statehood
Life under military rule
Despite the initial public backing, conditions for many Nigeriens have not improved. The economic fallout has been severe, exacerbated by the shutdown of many non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which were major employers. The International Labor Organization estimated youth unemployment at around 23% in 2023, a figure that has likely worsened.
Human rights groups have also sounded the alarm. Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International accuse the military government of cracking down on dissent, targeting the media, and suppressing civil society. President Bazoum and his wife remain under house arrest, and dozens of officials from his government have been detained without due process.
The regional response, led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has so far been ineffective. In early 2024, Niger, alongside neighbouring military-led states Mali and Burkina Faso, announced its withdrawal from ECOWAS, deepening the rift in West Africa.
This move has complicated mediation efforts and signalled a strategic realignment in the region. Kouakou described the situation as a “geopolitical quagmire,” noting the failure of international bodies to manage the crisis. “The international community has failed to understand the local dynamics of what’s going on,” he said.
Looking ahead, the path back to democracy appears long and uncertain. In March, General Tchiani was sworn in for a five-year term under a new charter, an act that many see as an effort by the junta to legitimise and prolong its rule.
Image: Royal Flag
