Three Years After The Niger Coup: Rethinking Nigeria’s Relations With Niamey

Three years have passed since soldiers overthrew Niger's democratically elected government on July 26, 2023, plunging the nation into a significant policy crisis. The coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani not only ended one of the Sahel's few constitutional governments but also sparked a major confrontation with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS responded by suspending Niger, urging member states to close borders, and demanding the release of ousted President Mohammed Bazoum. Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, initially supported ECOWAS sanctions by cutting electricity exports to Niger. However, ECOWAS ultimately did not deploy its standby force to restore constitutional order. Amid growing domestic pressure and concerns over the humanitarian and economic impact of the sanctions, Nigeria restored electricity exports within months. Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, subsequently withdrew from ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This realignment has significantly altered the regional political landscape. General Tchiani has consolidated power, and the ECOWAS sanctions regime has weakened. Niger continues to hold Nigeria responsible for its difficulties and views countries maintaining close ties with France with suspicion. Tensions escalated in December 2024 when Tchiani accused Nigeria of allowing France to establish military bases on its territory to destabilize Niger.