Niger’s military coup has sparked widespread international concern, with the African Union (AU) leading the call for the mutineers to “return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority.” In an emergency meeting, the AU’s Peace and Security Council demanded the military personnel to immediately and unconditionally withdraw to their barracks within 15 days.
In response to the coup, both the European Union (EU) and France have halted financial support to Niger, and the United States has threatened to do the same. The coup leaders, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, who was previously the head of the presidential guard, announced the overthrow of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, heavily relies on official development assistance, receiving approximately $2 billion annually. It is also a crucial security partner for Western nations like France and the United States in their efforts to combat the Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region. Despite being considered relatively stable compared to its neighbors, Niger is the world’s seventh-largest producer of uranium.
Foreign allies of Niger have so far refused to recognize the new military government and continue to support President Bazoum as the legitimate leader. However, Bazoum’s whereabouts remain uncertain since he was confined within the presidential palace.
In response to the coup, the EU suspended all development aid and budget support to Niger, while France demanded a swift return to constitutional order with President Bazoum reinstated. Niger is an essential partner for the EU in addressing irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa, and the EU has allocated significant funds for governance, education, and sustainable growth in the country.
The United States, with two military bases and providing substantial security and development aid, has expressed concerns that its assistance may be in jeopardy due to the coup. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that support to Niger depends on the continuation of democratic governance.
Niger’s coup has raised questions about the military junta’s level of support within the country. While some crowds expressed support for President Bazoum, coup supporters also took to the streets on another occasion.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold an emergency summit in Nigeria to address the situation, and the United Nations stated that its humanitarian aid deliveries to Niger remain unaffected.
As international pressure mounts, the African Union has issued a statement demanding the military to restore constitutional order within 15 days. The situation in Niger remains uncertain, and the world watches closely to see how events will unfold in the coming days.
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