The European Union (EU) has suspended all security cooperation with Niger following the country’s military coup. The US also declared its support for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who is considered a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants.
General Abdourahmane Tchiani, head of the presidential guards unit, declared himself Niger’s new leader, citing insecurity, economic challenges, and corruption as reasons for seizing power. The EU, US, and France have refused to recognize the coup leaders, and the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced the suspension of security cooperation and budgetary aid indefinitely.
The African Union has called on the Niger army to return to their bases within 15 days. Mohamed Bazoum, the country’s elected leader, is currently held captive by his own guards, and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that millions of dollars of assistance could be at risk if he is not released.
The situation has raised concerns in the West about the new leader’s alignment with other countries. Neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali have pivoted towards Russia since their own coups. A leader of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has reportedly described the coup in Niger as a triumph, highlighting Russia’s increasing influence in the region.
This is the fifth coup in Niger since gaining independence from France in 1960, and it adds to the wave of military takeovers that have occurred in West Africa in recent years, affecting countries like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. The situation poses a challenge to regional leadership and stability in the region.