Niamey, Niger – “Let’s keep politics off the table today,” a woman advised her teenage daughter while heading to a family gathering in Niamey. “We should steer clear of these topics with others; I want to ensure a peaceful atmosphere.”
Following the coup on July 26, 2023, which deposed Mohamed Bazoum, Nigeriens have faced a deeply polarized environment. The new leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, has gained support from some citizens who believe in his promise to reform the country. Tchiani, who was previously head of the presidential guard, has positioned himself as a break from the past, pledging to prioritize Niger’s needs over previous governance failures.
The coup led to severe economic sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which were later partially lifted in February 2024. Despite this, the impact was significant: staple food prices surged and the country faced power shortages due to Nigeria’s halt of electricity supplies. Additionally, a crucial oil export deal with China was delayed, and ongoing disputes with Benin added to the turmoil.
Public sentiment has largely turned against ECOWAS and its Western allies, who are seen by many as punishing the Nigerien populace along with their leaders. In October 2023, the European Union imposed sanctions on Nigerien military leaders, further straining relations. Although these sanctions included humanitarian exemptions, the general populace felt they were detrimental, as essential supplies like medicine became scarce.
Economic hardship has led to frustration among the population. The World Food Programme reported that even before the coup, millions of Nigeriens were struggling with severe food insecurity. The military government’s vow to end foreign exploitation of Niger’s resources has heightened tensions with France, Niger’s former colonial power. French troops withdrew at the end of 2023, and the government revoked the operating license of a major uranium deposit held by French company Orano.
In recent years, anti-French protests have emerged across the Sahel, where French troops were criticized for their perceived ineffectiveness in countering insurgencies. The political climate has been characterized by a backlash against colonial legacies, such as the CFA franc and military cooperation, as new leaders seek to consolidate their power.
One year after the coup, the nation remains divided between supporters of the military regime and those loyal to the ousted president. “The current leadership seems more interested in consolidating power than in genuinely improving the country,” said a former public servant who lost her job due to the political upheaval.
Niger’s history of coups and political instability continues to influence its present. Following the coup, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali withdrew from the G5 Sahel, an alliance designed to combat terrorism and organized crime. The remaining countries announced its dissolution, and Niger is now part of a new alliance with Burkina Faso and Mali focused on combating terrorism.
Amidst ongoing conflicts and instability, a recent attack on June 25, which killed twenty soldiers and one civilian, underscores the country’s precarious situation. In Niamey, people remain skeptical about the government’s ability to resolve the crisis. “It’s difficult to have faith in any of the leaders,” said a local vendor. “The situation was tough under Bazoum, and it remains so now. We can only hope for a change.”
