After the recent military coup, General Abdourahmane Tiani was announced as the new leader of the state.
After the recent coup in the West African nation, major cities in Niger are experiencing intermittent power outages.
Niger’s electricity provider, Nigelec, has attributed power shortages to Nigeria’s decision to reduce electricity supplies to its northern neighbor. The regional trade bloc Ecowas has imposed sanctions on Niger, potentially affecting electricity provision, while discussions among Ecowas defense leaders are ongoing in Nigeria regarding a possible military intervention to reverse the coup.
Ecowas gave the military junta in Niger a one-week ultimatum to relinquish power or face potential military action. Ecowas officials emphasize that armed intervention would be a last resort, but the bloc is preparing for such a scenario.
Ecowas aims to prevent further coups in the Sahel region, and European countries are evacuating their citizens from Niger. The cities of Niamey, Maradi, and Zinder are experiencing intermittent power, unusual for Niger, which usually has stable electricity due to its reliance on Nigeria for up to 70% of its supply.
Niger’s democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted in a military coup, leading to the suspension of the constitution and the installation of Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani as the new head of state. The military government has reopened borders with neighboring countries but kept the border with Nigeria closed.
Ecowas delegates, led by former Nigerian military leader Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, are mediating in Niger. Evacuation flights have begun, including French citizens returning to Europe. The coup has sparked anti-French sentiments, with demonstrations and an attack on the French embassy in Niger. France intends to maintain its military presence despite the situation.