The coup leaders cited two main reasons for overthrowing the elected government: ongoing security and economic crises. However, these challenges have not only persisted but have worsened.
Niger, with its population of 26 million, among the youngest and poorest globally, is facing increasing difficulties.
The junta’s actions, including severing ties with key international partners, have led to sanctions and the suspension of support, impacting nearly half of Niger’s budget.
In the streets, where thousands initially celebrated the coup, frustration is now growing. Niger joins Mali and Burkina Faso as the latest West African nations ruled by military juntas.
Together, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), although ECOWAS has yet to formally acknowledge this.
Following the coup, Benin closed its border with Niger, cutting off the country’s main import route through the port of Benin. While ECOWAS sanctions were lifted earlier this year, the closed border and diminishing foreign aid have exacerbated economic hardships in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
Residents like Hamssatou Saley and Hamidou Ibrahim express difficulty affording basic necessities due to skyrocketing prices.
Niger ranks 189 out of 193 countries on the UN’s Human Development Index, highlighting widespread poverty and economic challenges.
With jobs scarce and costs rising, many Nigeriens, including Harouna Mamane Nour, are calling on authorities to address the economic strain.
Meanwhile, junta leaders from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso recently met in Niamey, rejecting a return to ECOWAS and accusing the organization of favoring Western interests.
In a strategic shift, Niger, like Mali and Burkina Faso, has pursued military ties with Russia and expelled French forces from its territory. U.S. forces are also set to depart by September 15.
Despite initial promises of a three-year transition to civilian rule, analysts now doubt this timeline will be met as Niger’s military leaders consolidate their hold on power.