Niger’s Coup Explained: Potential Foothold for Radical Islamist Groups
Summary: Niger experiences a shift from pro-democracy to pro-junta demonstrations after the coup. International condemnation and sanctions follow the coup, urging a return to constitutional governance. Regional organization Iqawas, led by President Bola Tanubu, seeks a collective response against the junta. Counter-terrorism concerns arise due to the presence of Islamist groups linked to ISIS and Al Qaeda in Niger. Mixed signals from Russia highlight divisions in response to the coup, with Wagner's role in the region questioned. ...