Unraveling the Nexus: France and America’s Role in Niger’s Instability
The recent coup in Niger has once again brought the spotlight to a nation that has grappled with a history of political instability. But a closer examination of this instability reveals the complex interplay of neo-colonial maneuvers and foreign interventions, particularly by France and the United States.
Over the years, their actions have shaped Niger’s political landscape, often with far-reaching consequences for its governance and stability.
French Colonial Legacy
Niger, a former French colony, gained independence in 1960. Like all other African countries, the legacy of colonial rule has left an indelible mark on its political, economic, and social fabric. France’s interests and interventions in the region have played a significant role in Niger’s post-independence trajectory.
Resource Exploitation and Geostrategic Importance
France’s influence in Niger is closely tied to its interests in the region’s valuable resources, notably uranium. Niger possesses one of the world’s largest uranium reserves, which is crucial for France’s nuclear energy industry.
Niger also has rich reserves of coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, and petroleum. This has led to a complex relationship where French companies have extracted resources, contributing to the country’s economic disparities and triggering tensions between the government and marginalized communities.
In addition, as is the case with the relationship between European countries and their former colonies, France maintains a well-designed system that siphons Niger’s wealth to augment its own welfare lifestyle.
France’s Support for Authoritarian Regimes
Throughout its history, France has supported authoritarian regimes in Niger for the sake of maintaining stability to safeguard its interests.
This support has often come at the expense of representative governance and human rights. The prioritization of stability over genuine democratic principles has perpetuated a cycle of political turmoil, with transitions between military and civilian rule contributing to Niger’s instability.
US Regional Interests
The United States’ involvement in Niger has primarily centered around what it characterizes as “counterterrorism efforts” in the Sahel region. With the rise of terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda affiliates, the U.S. has established a military presence in Niger, including drone bases and training missions.
Along with other Western countries, it has poured millions of dollars of military aid and assistance into shoring up Niger’s forces. While the U.S. says it aims to combat terrorism, its military presence has raised concerns about sovereignty and potential unintended consequences. The bottom line though: Niger may be an important ally for Western countries in fighting Islamist groups, but its main importance to America is economic – the country is a significant uranium exporter.
Security Assistance and Fragility
The facts on the ground suggest that the provision of security assistance by the U.S. has, paradoxically, contributed to Niger’s fragility. In instances, local security forces supported by foreign aid have been implicated in human rights abuses, eroding public trust and exacerbating tensions.
Additionally, a heavy focus on militarization may have diverted resources and attention away from addressing the root causes of instability, such as poverty and governance challenges. According to the international aid group CARE, nearly three million people were facing severe food insecurity and hundreds of thousands were internally displaced under ousted president Mohamed Bazoum.
Balancing Geopolitical Interests and Stability
While both France and the U.S. have sought to pursue their geopolitical interests in Niger, the long-term impact of their interventions is negative. Critics argue that these interventions have often prioritized short-term gains over the long-term stability and prosperity of Niger’s population. This is in addition, to France maintaining a tight rein on the country’s wealth.
And so, as Niger grapples with the aftermath of General Abdourahmane Tchiani’s coup, it is crucial to acknowledge the role that foreign interventions have played in shaping the country’s trajectory. A balanced approach that prioritizes local agency, good governance, and sustainable development will be essential to breaking the cycle of instability and fostering a more prosperous future for Niger and its people. The international community, including France and the U.S., must reflect on their past actions and collaborate to promote solutions that prioritize the well-being of Niger’s citizens above all else.
Evaluating the Complex Factors Behind Calls for ECOWAS Intervention
In 2017, ECOWAS used force to restore order in The Gambia. Last week (on August 10), 11 of ECOWAS’ 15 member states agreed to commit troops as a “standby force” to restore constitutional rule in the country. Mali and Burkina Faso, two of the members that disagreed, have warned they would consider any intervention in Niger an act of war. Meanwhile, residents of Niamey are registering as volunteers or fighters, and to help with other needs in case the new government requires support against ECOWAS and its former colonial ruler France.
According to the United Nations, “What we want to see is a return to the constitutional order. We want to see the liberation of the president and his family, and restoration of his legitimate authority”.
But what is that order? Is it the same arrangement in which France maintains control over the country’s resources?
The answer to this question lies in a complex interplay of the geopolitics of coloniality, regional dynamics, historical context, and the hope for stability in a country that has struggled with western democratic governance.
A History of Political Instability
Niger, as are 13 other countries in Africa, was previously colonized by France. As former colonies, they are independent in name only: they continue to pay ‘colonial tax’ to their master. Through a diabolical antiquated colonial pact, they must deposit 85% of their foreign reserve every year into the France Central Bank under the control of the French Minister of Finance. France has the first right to buy any natural resources found in the land of its ex-colonies. France has the legal right to intervene militarily, and to station troops permanently in bases and facilities in their former colonies. And all 14 must use France’s colonial money – the FCFA. The list of criminal neocolonial strings goes on.
This landlocked country has therefore faced persistent political instability since gaining independence. The nation has witnessed multiple military coups and an unstable transition to democratic rule. The recent coup, which toppled the civilian government of Mohamed Bazoum, was largely motivated by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and a growing dissatisfaction with the country’s governance. And so, it is a popular uprising in deed!
Now, must ECOWAS intervene in the Niger coup? Yes, it must.
Security Concerns and Counterterrorism
One of the central arguments for ECOWAS to intervene revolves around security concerns. As already stated, the Sahel region, of which Niger is a part, has become a hotbed of terrorism and insurgency. Groups like Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have exploited the country’s fragile political situation to establish strongholds and launch attacks across the region. And therefore, ECOWAS has a vested interest in supporting a stable Niger, as the country’s instability could potentially spill over into neighboring states, exacerbating the existing security threats. By backing the coup, ECOWAS could help facilitate a more cohesive and coordinated approach to tackling terrorism and promoting regional security.
Democratic Transition and Governance
Critics argue that supporting the military coup by President Abdourahamane Tchiani of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) undermines the principles of democracy. However, in the case of Niger, proponents of ECOWAS support emphasize that the coup could lead to a more effective and accountable form of governance. The country’s past transitions between civilian and military rule have often been marred by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of political will to address critical issues.
By intervening in a manner that encourages a swift adoption of systems of indigenous representation that ensure effective checks and balances, ECOWAS can potentially guide not only Niger but all former colonies of France toward a more stable and transparent and pro-Africa political system.
Repudiating the Colonial Pact
By supporting the Niger coup, ECOWAS can lead former colonies of France in West Africa towards becoming truly independent in deed. The French colonial tax can finally be abolished. The colonial pact which requires Niger to support the West at the expense of its citizens must be abolished with immediate effect: no more 85% foreign reserve deposits; no more first right to its natural resources; no more militarily interventions; no more FCFA; and certainly, no more French as the official language.
Diplomacy and Regional Integration
The ECOWAS community has long strived for regional integration and cooperation. This is an opportunity. Supporting the Niger coup could be seen as a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to the betterment of member states. By working closely with the new leadership and providing guidance, ECOWAS can influence the direction in which Niger heads.
Additionally, ECOWAS could utilize this situation as an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic efforts in the region. Brokering a deal between the coup leaders and other stakeholders could enhance the organization’s reputation as a mediator and promoter of peace.
A Prudent Approach
While the call for ECOWAS support of the Niger coup carries weight, it’s essential to tread cautiously. Balancing the pursuit of stability with the preservation of indigenous democratic principles will require skillful diplomacy and outside-the-box strategic decision-making. ECOWAS must ensure that its involvement is primarily geared towards achieving lasting positive outcomes rather than inadvertently acting as proxy for France or U.S. and legitimizing neocolonial points of view.
In a region riddled with challenges ranging from debilitating coloniality to political volatility, the case of Niger presents a pivotal moment for ECOWAS to showcase its commitment to the well-being of its member states. The decision ECOWAS makes in the coming days could set a precedent for how the organization navigates complex political situations in West Arica’s future.
Source: Nana S. Achampong,
African University College of Communications, Accra
