What is happening in Niger and why it is bad news for US and UN

Niger, a landlocked nation in the Sahel region of Africa, is facing a significant political crisis. Mutinous soldiers are claiming to have overthrown the democratically elected government, taking President Mohamed Bazoum captive.

In response, the Nigerien army has given its backing to the troops behind the takeover to avoid a potentially deadly confrontation between different forces.

The aftermath of the coup has seen violent unrest, with supporters of the military action attacking and setting fire to the headquarters of the ousted President's party in the capital, Niamey.

The crisis in Niger has raised concerns and garnered attention from the international community, particularly the United States. Niger has been a key US ally in the region, and the country plays a crucial role in the US's Africa strategy, particularly in countering Islamist insurgencies.

The situation in Niger has also affected the planned withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from neighboring Mali.

The coup and the violence

A group of mutinous soldiers in Niger claimed to have successfully overthrown the democratically elected government, taking President Mohamed Bazoum captive. The soldiers cited the country's deteriorating security as the reason for their actions.

Supporters of the coup in Niger resorted to violent actions by ransacking and setting fire to the ruling party's headquarters in the capital city of Niamey.

The situation remains tense, and the international community closely watches developments in Niger, concerned about its stability and potential ramifications for regional security.

Why is the US worried about the Niger situation?

Niger, a key US ally in the semi-arid Sahel region of Africa, plays a crucial role in the United States' Africa strategy. The nation has received significant assistance from Washington, and the two countries have strong military ties.

Niger's strategic importance lies in its partnership with the US in combating Islamist insurgents responsible for numerous casualties and displacements. The coup has raised worries in the US government as it closely monitors the situation in Niger.

The coup in Niger could have far-reaching consequences on the existing military and humanitarian ties between the US and Niger. The US has around 1,100 troops stationed in Niger, operating from two bases, reported Reuters.

In March, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $150 million in new humanitarian aid for the Sahel region during his visit to Niger.

The US also planned to provide $101 million in bilateral assistance to Niger in the fiscal year 2022, supporting areas like food security, democracy, and governance.

Complications for UN peacekeepers' withdrawal from Mali

The political crisis in Niger may negatively impact the United Nations' decade-long peacekeeping operation in neighboring Mali.

Recently, the UN Security Council decided to end the peacekeeping mission in Mali after the country's military junta requested the 13,000-strong force to leave.

A coup in Niger adds further uncertainty to the situation, potentially affecting Chad's ability to withdraw its 1,400 troops from Mali, complicating the mission's planned withdrawal by the end of the year.

Bottom line

The crisis in Niger has significant implications for international relations, particularly with the United States. As a crucial US ally in the fight against Islamist insurgents, the instability in Niger raises concerns about the country's strategic importance in the Sahel region.

The coup's impact on the United Nations' peacekeeping mission in neighboring Mali adds further complexity to regional security efforts.