On July 26, 2023, a group of military officers led by Colonel Mamane Aboukar staged a coup d’etat in Niger Republic, overthrowing the newly elected President Mohamed Bazoum and dissolving his government. The coup leaders claimed that they acted to restore democracy and end corruption, and promised to hold elections within a year. However, their actions were condemned by the regional bloc ECOWAS, which imposed sanctions and threatened military intervention if the junta did not restore constitutional order within a week. The deadline expired on August 6, 2023, with no sign of compliance from the coup plotters.
The crisis in Niger has sparked various reactions from Nigerians, who share a long border and close ties with their northern neighbor. Some Nigerians have expressed concern over the security and stability of the region, especially in the face of the rising threat of terrorism and banditry. Others have criticized the role of foreign powers, such as France and Russia, in meddling with the affairs of Niger and other African countries. And some have drawn parallels between the situation in Niger and the political challenges facing Nigeria itself.
Here are some of the opinions and perspectives of Nigerians on the Niger coup:
- Concern for security and stability: Many Nigerians are worried that the coup in Niger could worsen the security situation in both countries, as well as in the Sahel region. They fear that the instability could create a vacuum for terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), to exploit and launch attacks across the border. They also worry that the influx of refugees and arms could fuel violence and crime in Nigeria. For example, one Twitter user wrote: “The coup in Niger is a serious threat to Nigeria’s security. We share a long border with them and we have been battling insurgency for years. We need to support ECOWAS to restore democracy and peace in Niger.”1
- Criticism of foreign interference: Some Nigerians are skeptical of the motives and interests of foreign powers, such as France and Russia, in intervening or influencing the outcome of the coup in Niger. They accuse them of exploiting Niger’s natural resources, such as uranium, oil and gold, and undermining its sovereignty and independence. They also question the legitimacy and effectiveness of ECOWAS, which is led by Nigeria, in resolving the crisis. For example, one Facebook user wrote: “France is behind this coup in Niger. They want to control their uranium and keep them under their neo-colonialism. Russia is also trying to get involved to spite France. ECOWAS is just a puppet of these imperialists. They should leave Niger alone to decide their own fate.”
- Comparison with Nigeria’s politics: Some Nigerians are drawing parallels between the situation in Niger and the political challenges facing Nigeria itself. They point out that both countries suffer from similar problems, such as corruption, poverty, insecurity, ethnic divisions and democratic deficits. They also debate whether a military coup could be a solution or a problem for Nigeria’s governance woes. For example, one blog commenter wrote: “Niger is just a mirror of Nigeria. We have the same issues of bad leadership, corruption, insecurity and ethnic tensions. The only difference is that they have had more coups than us. But coups are not the answer. We need to reform our institutions and elect credible leaders.”
These are some of the views of Nigerians on the Niger coup, which reflect their diverse opinions and concerns about their northern neighbor and themselves. What do you think about the coup in Niger? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.