How Mali inspired Col. Mody takeover leadership in Niger

By Nfor Hanson Nchanji

Presidential Guards in Niger announced last Wednesday, July 26, 2023, that they have overthrown the civilian regime of President Mohamed Bazoum.

A communique read on State media by Col. Major Abdramane stated that the coup was made to save Nigeriens from prolonged insecurity and degradation of the socioeconomic situation.

“We security and defense forces united via the CNSP…bad economic and social governance, assure the national and international community that we will respect the rights fo those overthrown- all institutions of the 7th republic suspended…we ask all external partners not to meddle in the affairs..all borders, air land, and sea have been shut down until further notice…a curfew has been instituted between 10 pm and 5 am…”

Coup Leader

Niger’s former Chief of Staff under President Bazoum, General Salifou Mody, was picked by the coup leaders to become the interim president of Niger. General Mody was fired in April from his position after he paid a visit to Malian president, Assimi Goita, another putch.

President Bazoum became suspicious of the visit that took place on March 9, 2023, especially the words that came out from General Mody after his one-day visit.

What Mody said

Genéral Salifou Mody made a hostile outing on the presence and military cooperation of France in the Sahelian region, noting that Africans must solve their own problems. His outing pushed France to send her military general to discuss with President Bazoum, and the discussions subsequently led to the dismissal of the outspoken General Mody as Chief of Staff.

Today, the cup leaders say “This strategic shift marks a significant turning point in current governance. We are determined to ensure a smooth and stable transition under the enlightened leadership of General Mody. Our aim is to maintain the continuity and integrity of institutional functioning while promoting the progressive development of our nation. We remain committed to the well-being of the people and the promotion of national unity during this crucial period.”

The paradigm shift in Sahel Region

Since 2020, French-speaking African countries, that play major roles in the Sahel region, have witnessed coups by anti-french generals. It started with Mali witnessed twice, before the ascension of Assimi Goita, then transitioned to Burkina Faso and now Niger. The visit of General Mody to Mali was mainly to ask the Malian regime to allow Nigerien troops to chase terrorist groups on Malian soil. The green light was given, and also a cordial entente.

France is helping Sahelian countries fight jihadists but at the same time, also losing their grip on these countries. The Central African Republic, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have become shadows in the hands of France. While the CRA is ruled by a civilian who has kept his options open between France and Russia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and now Niger seems to have closed the doors on France.

The latest is the military takeover in Niger with an anti-french general Mody.

Poverty and misery

Most of the Coup leaders in the Sahel region have mentioned poor socio-economic situations as one of the main reasons for their actions. It was not strange to hear the communique say, bad governance has led to bad socio-economic decisions, that have helped to degrade the living conditions of the people.

Aside from the security situation which has vexed several Sahelian countries. on the way France has coordinated the war and her collaboration with civilian leaders, the issue of poverty has been reechoed throughout the region. Several Malians have held that the root cause of jihadist activities is the aspect of poverty and bad governance, uneven distribution of wealth, and the too-close ties with former colonial masters, France. Reasons why they all welcomed the coup by Assimi Goita.

In a discussion with some, they opined that until good leaders are elected into office, they will not know peace. Such leaders should practice good governance, democracy, transparency, and even the distribution of wealth, prioritize agriculture and embark on discreet diplomacy with foreign partners. Such partners, they said, must also know their limits and respect territorial integrity of the nations.