Niger is a landlocked nation bordered by Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Algeria. Covering about 1,270,000 square kilometers, they are the largest landlocked country in the region although over 80% of its land area is dominated by the Sahara Desert. Officially known as the Republic of the Niger, this nation struggles with severe poverty, placing it among the world’s most impoverished countries.
Niger has a history of coups and military rule dating back to post independence in 1970’s, where a military coup overthrew the government of President Hamani Diori. The coup was led by General Seyni Kountché, who ruled Niger until his death in 1987.
According to recent reports, on July 26 2023, there were multiple shots of gunfire around the president’s residence, which is now suspected to be a coup in the capital city of Niamey. As the events unfold, men in military fatigues declared their takeover of the country, claiming to have seized President Mohamed Bazoum.
In a video on CNN, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, accompanied by a group of armed soldiers, announced the takeover of the existing regime. Referencing the worsening security situation and expressing discontent with “poor economic and social governance,” the military asserted their decision to bring an end to the current administration.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has triggered widespread international condemnation and cast a dark cloud of uncertainty over the already volatile region of Africa. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
