Army Chief Backs Coup In Niger Raising Risk To Western Influence In Sahel

Following reports that soldiers from Niger's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum (as flagged on our bullets service yesterday) and announced the formation of a National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, AFP reported that the coup has been backed by the head of Niger's armed forces, who "subscribed" to the declaration of the rebels in order to "avoid a deadly confrontation (...) that would create a bloodbath."

• Junta leaders announced the dissolution of Niger's constitution, the closure of the country's international borders and the implementation of a nationwide night-time curfew until further notice, while warning against any foreign intervention.
• Given the pro-Western orientation of President Bazoum's government, the putschists' success would create an opportunity for rival geopolitical actors Russia and China to increase their influence in the country and the Sahel region.
• Russian Wagner mercenaries have been increasing their presence in the Sahel region in the recent years, filling the vacuum of power left by the departure of French troops from countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso as they pivoted towards Moscow.
• Niger is a major producer of uranium and a key gateway for African migrants into Europe, while its territory has served as a launchpad for Western anti-terrorist operations and hosts the military bases of both the US and France.
• Russia's growing influence and the spread of terrorism across the highly unstable Sahel region has raised Niger's geopolitical importance as one of the last members of a shrinking group of Western allies in the area.