Blinken says Niger must restore ‘democratic order’ to avoid loss of U.S. economic aid
PBS NewsHourAug 02, 2023
Niger: Presidential Guard Chief Declares Himself New Leader
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Image copyright: US Army/DVIDS [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani on Friday named himself leader of Niger's so-called National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, two days after his troops detained the democratically elected Pres. Mohamed Bazoum in the presidential palace in Niamey.
Speaking in a televised address, the 62-year-old, who has been in charge of the presidential guard since 2011, stated that his junta took over the country to address several problems in Niger, including insecurity, economic problems, and corruption.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Bazoum joined forces with Western powers to fight the jihadist insurgency, even agreeing to welcome French troops previously stationed in Mali, but his plan backfired as foreign military forces failed to help the country to get rid of terrorism. As if growing insecurity wasn't reason enough to topple the government, national leaders were perverting democracy to enrich themselves.
Pro-establishment narrative
This coup could be the most consequential of a string of military takeovers in Africa since 2020, as it offers an opportunity for Russia to deepen its presence in the Sahel by deploying Wagner troops to a country that has been the West's closest ally in the fight against jihadists. While military rulers claim they are focusing strictly on security challenges, their moves are likely to aggravate instability in the region.
