The coup leaders also claimed Monday that Niger’s toppled government had authorized France to carry out strikes at the presidency to try to free Bazoum. Anti-French sentiment has formed the backdrop for governmental overthrows in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso within the last two years, forcing the withdrawal of French troops. Pro-Russian sentiment has meanwhile grown, and Wagner Group mercenaries have established presences in Mali, the CAR, Libya and other troubled states. If successful, the latest coup would make Niger the fourth ECOWAS country currently under military rule, according to François Conradie, lead political economist at Oxford Economics Africa. Experts also warn that the coup in Niger is likely to heighten concerns about the displacement of communities in the Sahel region and wider security challenges.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 01, 2023 06:56 UTC