Niger Coup: the West, Wagner, and War

On July 26th, members of the presidential guard of Niger imprisoned President Muhammad Bazoum in a successful coup. Indeed, the head of the Republican Guard of Niger, General Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself the head of state supported by the military forces. President Bazoum’s deposition ends the first democratic transfer of power in Niger since its independence. The coup has sparked hostility in western-leaning ECOWAS members, while Mali and Burkina Faso have welcomed the new junta. Therefore, Niger will turn to Wagner and shun the West as a regional war looms over West Africa.