A Timeline of Niger Coups: History of Political Turmoil

 

Image Credit: Google

Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum Ousted in Fifth Coup: A History of Political Turmoil 

Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from power by a group of soldiers on July 26, in a coup that plunged the country into political turmoil. 

Colonel Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for the group, announced that the defense and security forces had decided to "put an end to the regime that you know due to the deteriorating security situation and bad governance." 

As a result of the coup, Niger's borders were closed, a nationwide curfew was declared, and all institutions of the republic were suspended.

However, President Bazoum remained defiant and pledged to safeguard the "hard-won" democratic gains in Niger. 

He expressed his commitment to democracy and freedom, stating, "All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this."

This military takeover marked the fifth time in Niger's history that the government has been overthrown. 

The country has a tumultuous past of military interventions in its political affairs. 

Here are the instances when the military ousted the government in Niger: 

1974:

In April, Lieutenant Colonel Seyni Kountche led a military coup, ending the 14-year rule of President Hamani Diori. 

The coup resulted in the suspension of the country's constitution and the dissolution of the National Assembly. Lieutenant Colonel Kountche formed the 12-member Supreme Military Council (SMC) to take control of government affairs. 

The coup was accompanied by reports of about 20 people being killed. 

1996:

In January, army officers staged a coup overthrowing President Mahamane Ousmane and Prime Minister Hama Amadou. 

The coup leaders cited a political deadlock threatening economic reforms as the reason behind their action, drawing the ire of former colonial power France. 

Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, the armed forces chief of staff, assumed leadership, assuring that the coup aimed to initiate a new start and not to end multiparty democracy. 

1999:

In April, Mainassara was killed by dissident soldiers in an ambush at Niamey airport, leading to a third coup in the country's history. 

Daouda Malam Wanke, the commander of the presidential guard, took power and announced a return to civilian rule by 2000, pledging to hold an elected president. 

Mamadou Tandja emerged as the winner of Niger's presidential election after the coup, defeating Mahamadou Issoufou. 

International observers deemed the election generally free and fair. 

2010:

A group of military leaders calling themselves the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSDR), led by General Salou Djibo, captured President Tandja and his ministers after a gun battle. 

The coup resulted in the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of all state bodies. 

The military government promised to establish Niger as "an example of democracy and good governance" while accusing Tandja of amending the constitution for personal gain. 

In the aftermath, new legislative elections were held, with Issoufou emerging victorious in a presidential run-off. 

2023:

On July 26, members of the presidential guard, led by General Omar Tchiani, cut off the presidential palace in Niamey and detained President Bazoum, sparking regional and international concerns about instability. 

The military announced the suspension of all institutions, closure of land and air borders, and the implementation of a curfew. 

Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou called on the country's soldiers to release President Bazoum and resolve their demands through dialogue. 

The coup received strong condemnation from regional bloc ECOWAS, the United States, France, and the United Nations, who deemed it "unconstitutional." 

Niger's history of military coups underscores the challenges the country faces in maintaining stable governance and democratic progress. 

The recent upheaval has raised uncertainties about the country's political future and its implications for regional stability. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation and calls for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)