Blinken says Niger must restore ‘democratic order’ to avoid loss of U.S. economic aid
PBS NewsHourMAY 2023
Bazoum joined forces with Western powers to fight the jihadist insurgency, even agreeing to welcome French troops previously stationed in Mali, but his plan backfired as foreign military forces failed to help the country to get rid of terrorism. As if growing insecurity wasn't reason enough to topple the government, national leaders were perverting democracy to enrich themselves.
This coup could be the most consequential of a string of military takeovers in Africa since 2020, as it offers an opportunity for Russia to deepen its presence in the Sahel by deploying Wagner troops to a country that has been the West's closest ally in the fight against jihadists. While military rulers claim they are focusing strictly on security challenges, their moves are likely to aggravate instability in the region.