Niger Coup: Why the West and EU Are More Concerned About the Niger Coup?! by Abubakar Haruna

The recent military takeover in Niger has raised significant concerns within the US and EU. While military coups have affected several West African nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, the focus on Niger's situation has been more pronounced. This article delves into the reasons behind this heightened attention and the implications for the region's political landscape.

In a span of four years, military juntas have assumed power in four out of the sixteen West African member states, indicating a growing trend. Notably, there was a suspected attempt at a military takeover in Senegal, raising questions about the reasons behind this unsettling pattern. African leaders, particularly those in the West African region, must address these concerns to prevent further destabilization.

As Nigeria faces worsening issues such as corruption, insecurity, unemployment, and social injustice, some Nigerians had hoped for military intervention. However, the larger West African subregion also faces challenges, with economies and security threatened. Intriguingly, most of the countries experiencing military takeovers are French-speaking nations, potentially hinting at shared underlying issues stemming from their colonial history with France.

The recent coup in Niger, announced on July 26, 2023, resulted from a lengthy political turmoil involving civilians, citizens, and the military. The international community, including the ECOWAS regional union, swiftly condemned the coup and even considered military action. This response reflects fears that the region could fall under military rule.

Comparatively, the Western world's reaction to the Niger coup has been stronger than their responses to similar events in Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This discrepancy is rooted in the West's interests in Niger, with potential implications that could extend to even larger African nations like Nigeria.

Africa's rich resources are vital for Western survival, but historical exploitation has marred the relationship. Africa boasts abundant natural resources like diamonds, gold, iron, and petroleum that the West heavily relies on. Understanding this backdrop can shed light on the Western world's heightened concern for the Niger coup.

Several reasons explain the West's heightened concern for the Niger coup over other African subregions:

Migration and Human Trafficking: Niger played a crucial role as a transit point for human traffickers and immigrants en route to Europe through Libya. Agreements were made to curb this flow, but under military rule, enforcement may weaken, potentially leading to increased immigration and trafficking.

Uranium Security: Niger provides 5% of the world's uranium, a critical resource for nuclear energy generation in Europe. This resource's potential fall into the wrong hands, especially jihadists and terrorists, raises security concerns.

Russian Influence: Other nations that experienced military takeovers forged agreements with Russia, influencing their leadership dynamics. While Russia's involvement in the Niger coup is unproven, it could shape the region's stability and international relationships.

Democracy Setback: Continuous military rule across Sahel nations could undermine regional democracy and influence other African countries to follow suit. ECOWAS' actions highlight the urgency to protect democratic values.

Banditry and Security: The military coup has introduced instability, creating a favorable environment for banditry and terrorism to thrive. Despite the presence of US and French military bases, these challenges persist.

Ultimately, the Niger coup's implications extend beyond the nation's borders, warranting the West's heightened concern. The complex web of geopolitical, economic, and security factors underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the situation and prevent further destabilisation

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