#25: Niger in Crisis: Unpacking the 2023 Coup and Its Impact

A sudden coup in Niger has sent shockwaves through West Africa and the world. With the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum overthrown, Niger is now at a critical crossroads. As international tensions rise, the future of Niger and its people hangs in the balance. Let’s delve into this unfolding situation.

Hello my beautiful students and welcome back to English News Pod, the best way for you to learn practical English through the news. I’m your host and teacher, Caroline. 

Today, we’ll be discussing the recent coup in Niger, a country in West Africa. On July 26, soldiers detained Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum, overthrowing the government. This coup has led to a significant international crisis, with various countries and regional blocs responding in different ways. Remember, you can find a full transcript of this podcast episode in the description.

Niger’s coup is nearing its one-month mark with little resolution in sight. The coup began on July 26, likely triggered by an internal struggle between now ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and the then head of the presidential guard. Since then, the junta, now led by the former head of the presidential guard, has been shoring up support among the population, exploiting grievances toward Niger’s former colonial ruler, France, and silencing opposers.

The coup has garnered International attention. Western powers and democratic African governments have called for the coup leaders to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who they have detained since July 26, but the military leaders have refused and rejected attempts at negotiation. The United States and France, both of which have troops stationed in Niger, have been closely following the situation. They have threatened to cut ties with Niger, which could endanger hundreds of millions of dollars in aid.

Although Russia has also called for a peaceful resolution, Russian influence in West Africa has grown over the years, particularly with military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso having kicked out troops from former colonial power France and strengthened ties with Moscow. Support for Russia has appeared to increase in Niger since the coup, with junta supporters waving Russian flags at rallies and calling for France to back off.

Concerningly, while Putin has called for a return to constitutional order in Niger, Wagner’s chief welcomed the army takeover and offered his services. Yes, the Wagner chief, the same man who was expelled from Russia for attempting a coup in Russia in June this year. 

Meanwhile, regionally, in the broader West African region, the coup in Niger is stoking fears of a domino effect. Since 2020, three of Niger’s neighbors — Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea — have experienced coups. The coup in Niger is seen as a red line by many, including Western allies, and has the potential to destabilize an already fragile region.

Neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso have leaped to the junta’s defense, declaring that they would consider any foreign move against Niger as a “declaration of war” against them too. This has raised the specter of a broader regional conflict, which could have devastating consequences for the people of West Africa.

As a result, the Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS, has been considering military intervention in Niger. ECOWAS has given an ultimatum to the junta in Niger: Restore Mr. Bazoum to power or face the consequences, including possible military action.

Despite the political side to this story, there is also a human element to note. The coup has had immediate and severe impacts on the people of Niger. The military leaders have closed Niger’s airspace, citing the potential threat of outside military intervention. This has isolated the country further during this critical time.

Additionally, for the people of Niger, who were already facing economic challenges and security threats from extremist groups, the coup has brought about a period of uncertainty and fear. The political instability is likely to exacerbate existing problems, including poverty, food insecurity, and violence.

There has also been a surge of disinformation related to the coup, with false rumors and misleading videos circulating on social media platforms. This has further inflamed tensions both within Niger and in the surrounding countries.

Overall, the coup in Niger has led to a complex and tense situation for the country and the region.

Let’s take a look at some grammar:

1. 'Coup' - 'Coup' is a noun referring to a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government. In the podcast, we are discussing the recent coup in Niger.
2. 'One-month mark' - 'One-month mark' is a noun phrase indicating the point one month after a particular event started. In the script, it signifies the duration of the Niger coup.
3. 'Junta' - 'Junta' is a noun referring to a military or political group that has taken power by force. In this case, it refers to the group that has seized power in Niger.
4. 'Population' - 'Population' is a noun referring to the entire group of people living in a specific area or country. In this context, it signifies the people of Niger.
5. 'Ultimatum' - 'Ultimatum' is a noun that refers to a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations. ECOWAS issued an ultimatum to the junta in Niger.
6. 'Intervention' - 'Intervention' is a noun that refers to the action or process of intervening, especially by a state or an international organization in the affairs of another state. ECOWAS is considering military intervention in Niger.  
7. 'Political instability' - 'Political instability' is a noun phrase representing a situation where a country's political conditions are uncertain or volatile. In the script, it describes the consequence of the coup on Niger's political landscape.

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Thanks for listening, and I will see you soon for more news in English!