General Leads Coup in Niger, Appeals for Support Amid Political Chaos and Security Concerns
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, made a televised plea for support on Friday, following a military coup that resulted in the detention of Niger’s democratically elected president. The coup has sparked political chaos and raised concerns about the nation’s fight against jihadists, as well as the potential increase of Russia’s influence in West Africa.
General Tchiani, also known as Omar, stated that the country needed a change in course to avoid its gradual demise, which is why he and others decided to intervene. He requested support from Niger’s technical and financial partners, urging them to understand the unique situation and provide necessary assistance to address the challenges at hand.
Earlier reports indicated that various factions within Niger’s military were vying for power. General Tchiani’s appearance aimed to establish his leadership, but the situation remained uncertain. A Nigerian delegation sent to mediate had already departed, and the president of Benin, designated as a mediator by a regional body, had not yet arrived.
An unnamed analyst, who has been in contact with participants in the negotiations, revealed that the presidential guard, responsible for the coup, was engaged in discussions with the army to determine who would assume control. These talks were described as sensitive, and tensions were high, posing a risk of further conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup, labeling it as “completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger, and the whole region.” Macron expressed his concern for the well-being of the detained president, assuring that he had been in communication with him. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna emphasized that there was still an opportunity to prevent the coup and urged those responsible to heed the message from the international community.
Niger’s strategic importance in combating jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State in the Sahel region has heightened worries regarding the coup’s implications. Russia and the West have been competing for influence in the fight against extremism, and Niger is viewed as the last partner for the West. France currently maintains 1,500 soldiers in Niger, conducting joint operations with Nigerien forces.
The coup elicited an unprecedented response from the public, with hundreds of people gathering in the capital, Niamey, to voice support for the Russian private military group Wagner. Russian flags were waved, and slogans against France were chanted. Such sentiments reflect a rising frustration among Nigeriens with the ongoing insecurity in the country.
President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected two years ago in a historic transfer of power, has not resigned, and the mutinous soldiers have not identified a leader. The latest public communications from the government expressed a commitment to democracy and urged the population to oppose the mutiny. However, the details and progress of ongoing dialogues remain uncertain.
The coup’s impact on international engagement in the Sahel region, especially with regard to counterterrorism efforts, is significant. The United States, which has been providing substantial military aid and assistance to Niger, warned that continued cooperation is dependent on Niger’s commitment to democratic standards. The potential loss of military aid could severely impact Niger’s ability to combat Islamic extremism. Similarly, the European Union recently launched a military training mission in Niger worth 27 million euros ($30 million).
The coup has also raised concerns about shifting loyalties among military leaders who have previously cooperated with Western powers. The involvement of General Moussa Salaou Barmou in the coup announcement video has caused particular unease among Western officials. Such developments threaten to reshape the dynamics of the international community’s engagement in the Sahel region.
As the power struggle persists, insecurity in Niger could escalate. Experts warn that army officers preoccupied with internal conflicts may divert their focus from the fight against jihadists. Additionally, rights groups are apprehensive about the potential harm inflicted on civilians during such mutinies, particularly women and children.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has temporarily halted operations in Niger, affecting over 370,000 internally displaced individuals and more than 4 million people who rely on humanitarian aid.
The situation in Niger remains uncertain, with the coup’s consequences unfolding. International actors and regional organizations are closely monitoring the developments and seeking ways to support a peaceful resolution.