ONE YEAR AFTER NIGER'S COUP: ECONOMIC AND SECURITY CRISES PERSIST

NIAMEY

One year after mutinous soldiers overthrew Niger's president, Mohamed Bazoum, the country's security and economic crises have not only persisted but worsened. 

The coup leaders claimed they deposed the elected government to address these issues, yet Niger's 26 million people, among the world's youngest and poorest, are still struggling.

The junta severed ties with key international partners, leading to sanctions and suspended support affecting nearly half of Niger's budget. This has exacerbated the country's challenges, causing growing frustration among the populace who initially supported the coup.

Niger joined Mali and Burkina Faso in forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and announced their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Although ECOWAS acknowledged the announcement, it has not officially declared that the countries are no longer part of the bloc.

Following the coup, Benin closed its border with Niger, cutting off access to the port of Benin, Niger's main import route. Despite ECOWAS lifting sanctions earlier this year, the closed border and dwindling foreign aid have intensified economic hardships in the capital, Niamey. 

Residents like Hamssatou Saley and Hamidou Ibrahim have noted that basic staples are becoming increasingly unaffordable. Niger ranks 189 out of 193 on the United Nations' 2022 Human Development Index, and many families are struggling to provide on a single salary. Unemployment is also rising, with individuals like Harouna Mamane Nour urging authorities to address the soaring cost of living.

Earlier this month, junta leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger met in Niamey, ruling out a return to ECOWAS and accusing the bloc of bending to Western interests. Like its counterparts, Niger has sought military relations with Russia and expelled French forces from the country. U.S. forces are also set to leave by September 15.

Despite promises of a three-year transition to civilian rule, analysts now believe this is unlikely to occur on time as Niger's military leaders consolidate their grip on power.