Niger - July 2023

Nigerien President Mohammed Bazoum was removed from office by a military coup on 26 July. Bazoum’s term in office began in 2021, two days after an attempted coup was foiled. This successful coup was led by the commander of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tiani, and eventually supported by other general officers. Following the coup Bazoum was held captive and the coup leaders announced their intention to have him charged with treason. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup and activated a military stand-by force, but member states were divided on the path forward. As of the end of July, ECOWAS had applied sanctions but had not committed to direct intervention.

Sources: British Broadcasting Corporation, The Africa Report, The Conversation, France24