The Ongoing Coup in Niger: What We Know

News has just broken that the President of Niger has been removed from power. Sources from within the nation report that the military is holding President Mohamed Bazoum in the presidential palace. Colonel Amadou Abdramane, surrounded by officers, read a statement declaring that the takeover is occurring due to the worsening security within the country. We previously reported that Boko Haram fighters were strengthening their forces in Niger, after being repelled from Niger by the stronger Islamic State of the Great Sahara. Since then, it appears more Islamic State fighters have been conducting attacks in the country, leading to a major security crisis. 

Colonel Abdramane also declared the country is on a nationwide lockdown, with all borders closed and a curfew being instated. In addition to this, the Colonel warned other nations to not get involved, stating that the situation is under control. This coup comes as a blow to the former French colony, as Bazoum was the first democratically elected president in the nation's history. His potential ousting from power is a strike against democracy in West Africa which; has seen six other coups since 2020. 

It is unclear whether the coup was successful or not, as of yet. A successful coup will come as a major blow to Western nations, that are actively fighting jihadism in Western Africa. Niger was a close ally of many European nations including France and Germany. Just last year, France moved many of its forces into Niger, after talks broke down with the Mali Government. Just this April, Germany announced a plan to improve Niger's armed forces. A successful coup would also be disastrous for the United States, who send hundreds of millions of dollars to the country to boost security capabilities. 

The situation in Niger is still unknown. Some unconfirmed reports on social media say that the Presidential Guards are behind the coup. It's believed the presidential palace and neighbouring Government building are being occupied by said guards. Military vehicles are currently blocking off all entrances to the building. So far, it seems the Presidential Guard does not have the support of the country's military. Bazoum's supporters tried to get close to the palace but guardsmen opened fire to disperse the crowd. The official Twitter account for the presidency declared that the guards were taking part in an 'anti-republican' demonstration. 

Once again, it is not known whether the coup has been successful or not. Another unconfirmed report from social media states that the Presidential Guards are alone in their occupation of the palace and that no other security service is involved.