A political coup turned violent on Wednesday, March 31st, just a few days before the President-Elect is to be sworn in as Niger's new president. After years of political unrest, coups, and terrorism, Niger is supposed to see its first peaceful transition of power in decades. Mohomed Bazoum is scheduled to be sworn in Friday, April 2nd, replacing two-term president Mahamadou Issoufou. However, there are groups that are not pleased with the outcome of this democratic election.
The event took place overnight from March 30th to the 31st. An armed military group attempted to overtake the presidential palace. The presidential guard was there and thwarted the attack by returning gunfire. According to witnesses, the shooting only lasted for 15-20 minutes but was still scary non the less. A few suspects have been arrested, but their identities have not been released. The president and president-elect are both safe, but the tensions are starting to rise in Niger as Islamic extremists increase their attacks across the country
Just under a week ago, there were a series of coordinated attacks that left 137 people dead throughout different villages in southwestern Niger. This occurred on the same day the Bazoum was declared the winner of the election by Niger's constitutional court. Being one of the most underdeveloped and poorest countries in the world, Niger is no stranger to violence. However, the increasing attacks are still caused for concern. Niger does not have large military capabilities, so their plan is to increase the number of trained troops in order to prevent and stop events like these from happening again. Currently, there are 25,000 troops in the army but the plan is to double that to 50,000 within the next 5 years.
Clearly, President-Elect Bazoum will have his work cut out for him in his first 5-year term. He needs to get the violence under control and combat the terrorist groups that are wreaking havoc across the country. Hopefully, he is up for the challenge and can change the status quo of Niger for the better.
References:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13943662
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56589168
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/31/africa/niger-attempted-coup-intl/index.html
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210331-attempted-coup-in-niger-france-24
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