Thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey on August 3, 2023, in a show of support for the military junta that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup on July 26. Coinciding with Niger’s Independence Day from France in 1960, the protests featured chants of “Down with France” and “Long live Russia, long live Putin,” with many waving Russian flags. Protester Issiaka Hamadou voiced a common sentiment: “We just don’t want the French, who have been looting us since 1960.” The rallies highlighted deep-seated resentment toward France’s historical and ongoing influence, while expressing a desire for new alliances to address security needs.
Evacuations and Diplomatic Withdrawals
The coup has prompted a wave of evacuations by Western nations. France completed its operation on August 3, airlifting nearly 1,000 people, including 560 French citizens, amid fears of violence. A French diplomatic source noted Russia’s “opportunistic attitude” in exploiting the situation, though no direct involvement in the coup was confirmed. The U.S. and Britain also reduced embassy staff, with President Joe Biden calling for Bazoum’s release to preserve Niger’s democracy. These moves underscore heightened security concerns, as Niger has been a key partner in combating Sahel jihadist insurgencies.
ECOWAS’s Ultimatum and Regional Stance
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), chaired by Nigeria, imposed sanctions and gave the junta until August 6 to restore Bazoum or face potential military intervention. ECOWAS defense chiefs met in Abuja from August 2 to 4, with Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah describing force as a “last resort” but emphasizing preparation. A delegation led by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar negotiated in Niger, while Senegal pledged troops if needed. However, junta allies Mali and Burkina Faso warned that intervention would be a “declaration of war,” heightening regional tensions. Coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani rejected the sanctions, vowing not to yield.
Economic Pressures and Power Cuts
Nigeria escalated pressure by cutting electricity supplies to Niger on August 1, affecting 70% of its power grid. This, combined with trade sanctions, aims to force the junta’s hand but risks exacerbating hardships in one of the world’s poorest countries. Tunisia’s economy, reliant on subsidies for essentials like bread, faces similar strains, though unrelated to the coup. The measures reflect ECOWAS’s firm stance against coups proliferating since 2020, with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu advocating a zero-tolerance policy.
Geopolitical Shifts and Future Implications
The protests’ pro-Russian tone signals potential realignment, with Wagner mercenaries already active in neighboring Mali. Russia called for “urgent national dialogue” in Niger, positioning itself as an alternative to Western influence. As Niger grapples with its fourth coup since independence, the international community watches closely. Bazoum’s detention and the junta’s defiance could lead to further instability, testing ECOWAS’s resolve and the Sahel’s fragile security landscape.
