Sanctions against Niger: what consequences for the country?
Since the coup that took place in Niger a week ago, the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have decided to take sanctions measures against the country. Among these measures, Nigeria has decided to cut off its electricity supply to Niger. This decision has serious consequences for a country which is 70% dependent on electricity from its Nigerian neighbour.
To understand the impact of these sanctions and their possible effect on the ruling junta, we interviewed the Nigerian economist Adamou Louché Ibrahim. According to him, Niger is highly dependent on the outside, with around 60% of its resources coming from foreign countries. The power cut from Nigeria will therefore be a real challenge for the country, both economically and socially.
Adamou Louché Ibrahim also stresses that these sanctions are likely to have repercussions on the population of Niger, already weakened by the political crisis. The power cut will affect homes, businesses, hospitals and schools, jeopardizing the daily lives of Nigeriens.
But are the sanctions likely to roll back the ruling junta? According to the economist, it is difficult to predict the exact effect of these measures, but they could create economic and social pressure on the authorities in place. The sanctions show the international community’s disapproval of the coup and send a strong signal to Niger’s leaders.
However, Adamou Louché Ibrahim stresses that discussions and negotiations between the different parties are essential to find a peaceful solution and avoid a deterioration of the situation. He recalls that the political and economic stability of Niger is in the interest of all the countries of the region.
In conclusion, the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, in particular the power cut in Nigeria, will have significant consequences for Niger. The country, already weakened by the coup, will have to face major economic and social challenges. However, the exact effect of these sanctions on the ruling junta remains unclear