The military coup has led to the ouster of the President of Niger, leading to political uncertainty and condemnation. According to multiple sources including the BBC, the military of Niger has ousted and detained its President Mohamed Bazoum and suspended the national constitution and the head of the presidential guard, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, has declared himself as the head of the transitional government called the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland this week. The military has also suspended National institutions and closed Niger’s land borders. The European Union, the United States and the African Union have condemned the overthrow of Niger’s president. But it remains unclear whether there will be civilian rule sooner in Niger.
The military coup is definitely a frequent event in many African countries including Niger, a least developed country. Niger had already experienced four coups — which had lasting implications for Niger’s political landscape and led to subsequent power struggles and instability — after its independence in 1960. The first coup occurred in 1974, led by Lieutenant Colonel Seyni Kountché, who overthrew the civilian government. Among other coups, Colonel Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara overthrew President Mahamane Ousmane in 1996 and marked a period of military rule. Also, the Sahel region has seen multiple coups in recent years, including in Niger’s neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso. Importantly, the military has not specified the time of the transition government yet and warned against any intervention of foreign forces. Consequently, it is difficult to say whether the military will make a power transition to civilian rule sooner.
The military coup against Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected president in a 2021 election that was the first democratic transition of power, was driven by a combination of causes including a politicized military, political instability and dissatisfaction with the government. Tchiani and his supporters believed that the Bazoum administration was failing to address key problems including corruption, economic inequality and security concerns. Notably, Niger has been experiencing frequent armed attacks since 2015. The ousted administration definitely fought against the armed groups including Nigeria-based Boko Haram, improved the security situation and produced improvements in education, public health and economic outlooks, though security threats and economic conditions were still major concerns in Niger. Among others, the rising cost of living may have also played a role in the latest coup.
It is desired that civilian rule is restored in Niger earlier. Fundamental rights should be restored and people should remain protected from any possible harm. But the causes of the military coup need to be addressed for reducing the chance of the military takeover of power in the future. For this, the development of political institutions is definitely crucial. It is also desired that there is a further reduction of armed attacks — which not only kill military personnel but also civilians — in the country. The efforts of global and regional actors including the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States may help to quicken the transition of power to civilian rule in Niger.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
