Ifeanyi Ibe
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, the military took over the reins of power yet again in Niger Republic.
It is noteworthy that this is the fifth successful coup since the country gained independence from France in 1960.
READ ALSO: Niger Coup: We Won’t Allow Any Undemocratic Action In ECOWAS Region – Tinubu
The coup is, however, worrisome because it came at a time the world finds such undemocratic interruption of any political system as strange.
Unfortunately, Niger follows the sordid step of its West African neighbours of Burkina Faso and Mali, as though they are in a competition.
READ ALSO: Niger Coup Unjustifiable – Mo Ibrahim
Your favourite stable, Prime Business Africa hereby serves you an update of the history of military coups in the West African country.
1974
In April, 1974, the military, led by Lieutenant Colonel Seyni Kountche struck. This brought to an end Hamani Diori’s rule of 14 years. The coup leaders suspended the country’s constitution and dissolved the National Assembly.
A 12-member Supreme Military Council (SMC) was formed by Kountche, marking an effective control of government.
Some reports said about 20 people were killed in the coup.
1996
Another coup took place in January 1996, toppling President Mahamane Ousmane and Prime Minister Hama Amadou. As usual with the military, the reason for the coup was said to be about the economy.
1999
In 1999, dissident soldiers in an ambush at Niamey airport, killed the President in what became the third coup in the country.
2010
The military struck again in 2010, creating what it called the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSDR) which became the government of the day.
2023
On Wednesday, July 26, members of the presidential guard, led by General Omar Tchiani, cut off the presidential palace in Niamey and detained President Mohammed Bazoum. This successfully ushered in yet another military government in Niger Republic.
Reacting to the development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), United States, France and the United Nations have strongly condemned the coup.
