Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, receiving close to $2 billion a year in official development assistance, according to the World Bank.
It is also a key security partner of Western countries such as France, the former colonial power, and the United States, which both use it as a base for their efforts to contain an Islamist insurgency in West and Central Africa’s Sahel region.
Previously seen the most stable country among several unstable neighbours, Niger is the world’s seventh-biggest producer of uranium.
Niger’s foreign allies so far have refused to recognize the new military government led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, previously head of the presidential guard, who officers declared head of state on Friday.
Bazoum has not been heard from since early Thursday when he was confined within the presidential palace, although the European Union, France and others say they still recognize him as the legitimate president.
“In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.
I was in Niger in 2015 and the mine outside of Agadez hired everyone to come and work which left schools lacking teachers because pay was better at the mine. Then they closed it down and teachers went to find other jobs.
I have been to dysfunctional countries before but this was pretty bad. The government was shaky then and basically the military takes bribes for anything. Wells that NGOs paid to have dug are basically cement slabs on grade and no well.
The complicated history, culture, colonialism and people really leave shallow options for improvement. Coups are a part of Niger unfortunately. It sucks because the culture and the people are really amazing.
I wonder what Sidi Amar and the Tuareg are up to. Probably kicking some ass as usual.
I lived in Niger from '86 to '92 as a kid. It’s sad to see a country in which I spent my formative years in such bad shape. There are so many wonderful Nigeriens that don’t deserve this