What’s driving the power struggle in Niger?

Nigerien security forces prepare to disperse pro-junta demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy, in Niamey, the capital city of Niger.
Nigerien security forces prepare to disperse pro-coup demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy, in Niamey, Niger's capital, on July 30, 2023 [Souleymane Ag Anara/Reuters]

West African nations have imposed sanctions on Niger’s new military leaders following a coup to overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum last week. Coup leaders have warned against any foreign attempts to extract the democratically elected Bazoum, and they have accused former colonial ruler France of plotting a military intervention – which France denies. The allegations are the latest communications from the coup organisers who, in a televised statement, blamed insecurity, the economy and poor governance as reasons to depose the government. And now, concerns are growing of an escalation on the ground, which could have broader implications for peace and security in the region. So what is driving this power struggle in Niger and what happens next?

In this episode: 

  • Ahmed Idris (@Ahmedtj66), Al Jazeera Correspondent in Nigeria

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Sonia Bhagat and Chloe K. Li with Miranda Lin and our host Malika Bilal. Khaled Soltan fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik. Munera AlDosari and Adam Abou-Gad are our engagement producers.

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.

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Source: Al Jazeera

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