This summer, Niger’s coup leaders cut ties with France, creating chaos in Niger and across French North West Africa. 

French History in the Region

Niger is a country located in North West Africa, a region that was owned almost entirely by France in the late 19th century and early 20th century. After many years of French occupation and significant developmental growth, many countries in North West Africa fought for independence. Eventually, most of the region was granted freedom.

Niger was officially declared a country in 1960. Since then, France has still had a major presence in the country, attempting to help Niger’s military with its terrorist problem; however, the intervention has been unsuccessful. Now, Niger, alongside many countries across the region such as Mali and Burkina Faso, is imploring to be entirely free of French occupation. 

Junta Takeover

A junta, an informal military group that takes power of a country by force, recently took control of Niger, abolishing its democracy on July 26, 2023. Furthermore, Mohammed Bazoum, Niger’s president, was placed under house arrest in the wake of the coup and has remained there since, despite multiple escape attempts. 

Not only did the junta’s takeover spark animosity between France, it escalated tensions between Niger and The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a community of 15 countries in West Africa. The ECOWAS, in accordance with France, suspended relations with Niger, threatening to take military action against the country. 

Do Nigeriens Support France’s Intervention or the Junta?

Some citizens believe Niger’s terrorism problem has actually worsened since France pledged to take action to help combat the terrorist forces. As a result, the vast majority of Niger’s citizens and its leaders despise France.

After years of frustration with French exploitation and unhelpfulness in dealing with terrorists, Nigeriens are ready for the French to finally cease operations in their country. Many see this coup as a fresh start for sovereignty and a new age of leadership in Niger. 

Adama Zourkaleini Maiga, a single mother-of-two who lives in a quiet, middle-class part of Niger’s capital Niamey, expressed her frustration with the French occupation. “They cannot tell us that the French army was successful… I do not understand how they can say they are here to help people fight terrorism, and every year, the situation gets worse.”

This situation escalated even further when, in late September, hundreds of Nigerien civilians camped outside a French military base in the country’s capital for weeks, refusing to allow supplies such as food and water into the base.

Additionally, a few weeks ago, a French embassy official was trapped inside the embassy for weeks without food or water, refusing to leave. He was apprehended but eventually released after the French forces left the country.

Imam Abdoulaziz Abdoulaye Amadou, a coup leader, stated, “France could have left quietly after the coup and come back to negotiate with the [junta]. Why is Emmanuel Macron saying he does not recognize our authorities when he has accepted coups in other countries like Gabon and Chad? That is what has made us angry, and we think France takes us for idiots.”

French Departure

In the wake of this anti-French sentiment in Niger, French President Emmanuel Macaron has called for troops to depart from the country.

Although President Macaron complies with the junta’s authority, he still reiterates his support for Bazoum and believes France’s withdrawal will negatively impact the country. “I think our policy is the right one. It is based on the courage of President Bazoum and on the commitments of our ambassador on the ground who are remaining despite all the pressure, despite all the declarations made by the illegitimate authorities.” 

It has been one week since France has left a military base in Northern Niger, and the junta remains in control of the country. France plans to evacuate all personnel out of the country by the end of this year. 

Impact on America

America has more than 1,000 troops and multiple bases in Niger. In fact, Niger occupies one of America’s main bases to combat terrorism in North West Africa. 

Although America still wants a military presence in Niger, they are not pleased with the junta’s ruling of the country. America, alongside France and ECOWAS, has called for President Bazoum to be reintegrated back into the Nigerien government since the wake of the coup.

United States President Joe Biden wishes to reestablish democracy in Niger. “The Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders. They have expressed their will through free and fair elections—and that must be respected.”

Despite the junta’s noncompliance, America is hopeful for a peaceful transition back to democracy.

(Photo credit for featured image: AFP)