The coup that shook Niger nearly two weeks ago triggered an international outcry and curbs on domestic freedoms, yet many people in the capital say the change is a breath of fresh air.
Overthrown: Cars were burned outside the party headquarters of deposed president Mohamed Bazoum. Photo: Getty Imageshe coup that shook Niger nearly two weeks ago triggered an international outcry and curbs on domestic freedoms, yet many people in the capital say the change is a breath of fresh air.
But within the stadium, and on the streets of Niamey, there were many people who seemed genuinely relieved to see the end of 12 years in government by Bazoum’s Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism .“Given the situation that this country has been in for decades, we feel free,” said Alhassane Adamou, an office administrator in the private sector.
They point to the condemnation of opposition leader Hama Amadou to a one-year jail term on charges of child trafficking, a sentence that made him ineligible for the election.In its 2022 Democracy Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit placed Niger among countries with “authoritarian regimes”. “This is what prompted the public to support the putsch,” said Adamou, whose words drew nodding heads of support among the onlookers surrounding him.
Foreign allies prioritised “stemming the flows of migrants, accessing natural resources, fighting jihadist in the Sahel so they don’t have to fight them in Western cities, and maintaining overall geopolitical influence in the region”, he wrote in a blog. “Democracy and economic development have mostly been subordinated to these larger objectives.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Niger: What We Discussed With Niger Coup Leaders - American DiplomatThe Niger coup leaders blocked the American delegation from meeting with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Read more »
Niger: Former Niger Rebel Leader Launches Group to Oppose JuntaA former rebel leader and politician in Niger has launched a movement opposing the military junta that seized power two weeks ago -- the first sign of organized resistance to army rule in the West African country.
Read more »
Niger Rebuffs Mediation, Rejects AU, UN and Regional MissionNigerian President and current Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) chairperson Bola Tinubu has said diplomacy is "the way forward," but didn't rule out military intervention in Niger. The junta has, however, rejected a proposed visit by representatives of the ECOWAS, the United Nations and the African Union citing "evident reasons of security in this atmosphere of menace" against Niger. On August 7, U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of StateVictoria Nuland spent two hours in Niamey talking with some of the coup leaders, principally the new armed forces chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, "express our grave concern regarding developments in Niger and our resolute commitment to supporting the democracy and constitutional order." Nuland called the talks "extremely frank and at times quite difficult". On August 8, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum to convey "ongoing support for a solution that restores Niger to democratic rule and constitutional order." The West African country's military rulers took power in a coup during late July 2023. ECOWAS plans to meet in Nigeria's capital Abuja to discuss how to deal with the coup in that country after Niger closed its airspace and ignored a seven-day deadline by ECOWAS to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
Read more »
Niger's tailors rush to make Russian flags after coupNigerien tailor Yahaya Oumarou carefully ran cuts of white, blue and red fabric under his sewing machine, assembling them into the three horizontal bands of Russia's flag.
Read more »
West Africa: Niger Junta Rejects African, UN Mission - LetterThe West African bloc (ECOWAS), the African Union and the UN had proposed a mission to the Nigerien capital Niamey. ECOWAS has threatened military intervention if ousted President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated.
Read more »
West Africa: Niger Junta Digs in As Ecowas Ponders Next StepThe regional bloc is scrambling to meet this Thursday to discuss Niger after the coup leaders ignored calls to reinstate President Mohammed Bazoum. Analysts say there is still room for a diplomatic solution.
Read more »