Title: Niger, a country looking for new partners after the coup d’état
Introduction: Niger, following the coup d’état of July 26 which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, finds itself increasingly isolated on the international scene. The country recently faced the expulsion of the UN coordinator in Niger and criticism from the United States, which called the events a coup. In search of new allies, Niger is now turning to its neighbors in the Sahel and could even consider a rapprochement with Russia.
1. The expulsion of the United Nations coordinator in Niger: Tensions between the Nigerien government and the United Nations intensified with the expulsion of the United Nations coordinator, accused of supporting devious maneuvers orchestrated by France. These tensions show an increasingly marked desire by Niger to distance itself from its former international partners.
2. France and the United States distance themselves: France, which began the withdrawal of its soldiers from Niger in accordance with the demands of the CNSP, has also been the target of criticism from the new Nigerien power. Additionally, the United States called the events in Niger a coup, leading to the suspension of $500 million in economic aid. This situation further weakens Niger’s position on the international scene.
3. Reconciliation with the countries of the Sahel: Faced with this situation of isolation, Niger has decided to strengthen its relations with its neighbors in the Sahel. Along with Mali and Burkina Faso, both led by the military, Niger created the Alliance of Sahel States. This rapprochement aims to strengthen regional cooperation and assert their independence vis-à-vis former allies.
4. Towards a rapprochement with Russia? : As Niger seeks new partners, speculation has emerged about a possible rapprochement with Russia. Meetings between the Russian ambassador and Nigerian personalities, including General Tiani and the Minister of Defense, fuel these assumptions. However, it is still too early to know whether Niger will actually take action and move closer to Russia.
Conclusion: The coup d’état in Niger had profound repercussions on the international scene, with the country finding itself isolated and distanced from its former partners. In this quest for new allies, Niger has turned to its neighbors in the Sahel and could possibly consider a rapprochement with Russia. The future will tell us whether this new political orientation will allow Niger to find the support it needs to rebuild itself.