Niger’s President, Mohamed Bazoum, vows that democracy will endure after an alleged coup in which rebellious soldiers detained him, citing the nation’s worsening security condition. Despite the unrest, the state of control within the country remains uncertain. Bazoum, a central ally in Western efforts to combat jihadists in Africa’s Sahel region, seems to retain several political party’s support. As discussions continue, the potential coup’s repercussions on the West’s battle against extremism in the region and Niger’s partnership with Western nations are causing considerable concern.
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Key Points:Â
- A coup attempt in Niger led by mutinous soldiers resulted in the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, who defiantly declared that democracy would persist.
- The actual control of the country remains ambiguous with the military claiming to back the coup to avoid a potential bloodbath, while several political parties appear to support President Bazoum.
- Bazoum, a key Western ally in the fight against jihadists in Africa’s Sahel region, was elected in 2021 marking Niger’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960.
- International response to the coup has been swift with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing extreme concern, and the U.N. Security Council scheduling emergency consultations. The Economic Community of West African States has also sent mediation efforts led by Benin’s President Patrice Talon.
- The situation in Niger has raised concerns about the West’s fight against extremism in the region and the potential for a shift in Niger’s alliances, considering Bazoum is seen by many as the West’s last hope for partnership in the Sahel region.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/niger-mutinous-soldiers-attempted-coup-2efab1649bea7d89b14dbc9432f5f819Â
