The Daily – Why a Coup in Niger Has the World’s Attention

Intro

In the latest episode of “The Daily,” the focus is on Niger’s recent military coup and its implications for the country’s democracy and its partnership with the United States and its European allies. The coup has drawn global attention as a “red line coup” that cannot be tolerated. President Muhammad Bazoum, a key figure in the fight against Islamic militancy in the region, has allowed the US and European countries to establish military bases in Niger. The coup puts all these efforts at risk and raises concerns about stability in the Sahel region, which has become a hub for terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Boko Haram.

Main Takeaways

Niger’s Partnership with the West in Jeopardy

• Niger’s recent military coup has garnered global attention as a “red line coup” that the US and its European allies cannot tolerate.
• President Muhammad Bazoum of Niger is a key figure in the fight against Islamic militancy in the region and has allowed the US and European countries to establish military bases in the country.
• The coup puts Niger’s democracy and partnership with the US in jeopardy, and allies are calling for it to be reversed.

Internal Battle within the Military

• The coup was orchestrated by an internal battle within the military, with the general in charge of the presidential guard worried about being fired.
• President Bazoum and his wife were able to hide in a safe room and reach out to Western leaders for help.

Stronger Action by Western Allies

• Western allies are taking stronger action than normal, including suspending aid and evacuating citizens, to support President Bazoum and potentially reverse the coup.

Concerns for Stability in the Sahel Region

• The coup is part of a trend of coups in the Sahel region in recent years, which is causing concern for stability in the area.
• Nigeria and other neighboring countries are threatening military action against Niger if the coup leaders don’t step back within a week.
• The coup leaders have rallied tens of thousands of supporters and are belligerent in resisting any military action against Niger.

Impact on Counterterrorism Efforts

• Islamic militants are likely to benefit from the situation if the coup stays in place, as attacks on civilians in neighboring countries have increased after coups.
• Militants are taking over due to the failure to push back against them.
• Lack of outside help may be present if the coup stays in place in Niger.

Geopolitical Implications

• China has superseded the US in building relationships with African countries.
• The coup benefits Russia, which has been trying to expand its influence in Africa through the Wagner group.
• If Russia gains influence in Niger, it could cause disruption and reduce Western influence, but not necessarily bring something better.

Challenges in US Approach

• The US model of focusing on defense and security neglects long-term investments in improving governance and combating corruption in countries like Niger.
• Western countries have poured aid and security assistance into Niger, yet a handful of soldiers were able to overthrow the country’s president.
• The focus on terrorism and militancy in Niger may unintentionally make terrorism and militancy worse.
• The Sahel has some of the poorest countries in the world with exploding youthful populations and weak states, making them vulnerable to recruitment by militant groups.
• The coup in Niger could lead to the spread of extremism and violence affecting more Nigerians, and the deposed president’s safety is uncertain.

Summary

Niger’s Partnership with the West in Jeopardy

Niger’s recent military coup has put its democracy and partnership with the United States and European allies at risk. President Muhammad Bazoum, who has been instrumental in the fight against Islamic militancy in the region, has allowed the establishment of military bases by the US and European countries in Niger. The coup has drawn global attention as a “red line coup” that cannot be tolerated, and Western allies are calling for its reversal to maintain the partnership and stability in the region.

Internal Battle within the Military

The coup in Niger was orchestrated by an internal battle within the military, with the general in charge of the presidential guard fearing being fired. President Bazoum and his wife managed to hide in a safe room and sought help from Western leaders. This internal power struggle highlights the complexities within the military and the potential consequences for the country’s stability.

Stronger Action by Western Allies

Western allies have taken stronger action than usual, including suspending aid and evacuating citizens, to support President Bazoum and potentially reverse the coup. This demonstrates the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of Western countries to protect their interests in Niger and maintain stability in the region.

Concerns for Stability in the Sahel Region

The coup in Niger is part of a concerning trend of coups in the Sahel region, which raises concerns about stability and security. Neighboring countries, including Nigeria, have threatened military action if the coup leaders do not step back. However, the coup leaders have gained significant support and are resistant to any military intervention. The situation in Niger has implications for the entire Sahel region and the fight against terrorism.

Impact on Counterterrorism Efforts

The coup in Niger could have detrimental effects on counterterrorism efforts. If the coup remains in place, it is likely to benefit Islamic militants, as seen in previous coups in neighboring countries. Attacks on civilians have increased after coups, and the lack of outside help may further exacerbate the situation. This poses a significant challenge to the fight against terrorism and the stability of the region.

Geopolitical Implications

The coup in Niger has geopolitical implications, particularly in terms of China’s growing influence in Africa and Russia’s attempts to expand its presence through the Wagner group. China has surpassed the US in building relationships with African countries, while Russia stands to benefit from reduced Western influence if it gains influence in Niger. However, this could lead to disruption and may not necessarily bring positive changes for the region.

Challenges in US Approach

The coup in Niger highlights challenges in the US approach to supporting countries in the fight against terrorism. While Western countries have provided significant aid and security assistance to Niger, the ease with which a small group of soldiers overthrew the president raises questions about the effectiveness of these efforts. There is a need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses long-term governance, corruption, and the underlying factors contributing to instability.

Conclusion

The military coup in Niger has far-reaching implications for the country’s democracy, its partnership with the West, and the stability of the Sahel region. Western allies are taking strong action to support President Bazoum and reverse the coup, but challenges remain in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to instability and terrorism. The situation in Niger underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond military intervention and focuses on governance, corruption, and addressing the root causes of instability.