Niger Coup: A Setback for Democracy in West Africa or results of Corruption ?

On July 26, 2023, soldiers from Niger’s presidential guard deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and closed the country’s borders. Entrances to government ministries were also blocked by the presidential guard.

The coup leaders said they were taking power because of poor security and the government’s inability to deal with the country’s many challenges, including the threat from terrorist groups. They also said they would hold elections within 12 months.

Several videos have surfaced online from the country

The coup has been condemned by the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union. They have called for the release of President Bazoum and the restoration of constitutional order.

The coup is the latest in a series of military takeovers in West Africa in recent years. In 2020, there were coups in Mali, Guinea, and Sudan. The coup in Niger is a setback for democracy in the region and could have serious consequences for the fight against terrorism.

Here may be some of the possible reasons for the coup:

• Poor security: Niger is a poor country that is facing a number of security challenges, including the threat from terrorist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State. The coup leaders may have felt that the government was not doing enough to address these challenges.
• The government’s unpopularity: President Bazoum was elected in 2021, but he is not a popular figure. He is seen by many as being out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people. The coup leaders may have been hoping to capitalize on the government’s unpopularity.
• The military’s desire for power: The military has a long history of involvement in politics in Niger. The coup leaders may have simply wanted to take power for themselves.

It is still too early to say what the long-term consequences of the coup will be. However, it is clear that this is a serious setback for democracy in Niger and the region.

The Voice will do an in-depth review of the coup and its repercussions in a follow-up.