Decoding Niger’s Coup: Analyzing the Impact and Implication

16 August 2023

On the 16th of August 2023, The Africa Studies Circle at the Asia Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue (AMEC) conducted a webinar discussing the latest developments in Niger. The webinar was focused on the topic of « Decoding Niger’s Coup: Analyzing the Impact and Implications ».

On this occasion, we had an outstanding sharing from our two prominent speakers: Dr Murtala Muhammad, Associate Professor at the Nigerian institute of International Affairs and Dr Abubakar Usman, Research fellow at the Asia Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue (AMEC). 

Shared Insight: The story of the 26 July 2023, coup d’Etat in Niger Republic could more perfectly be understood from the prism of French imperialism, emerging world order, failure of democracy and power grab involving high ranking Nigerian military officers. The struggle for Democracy in the region becomes a focal point, indicating the aspirations of the people for self-determination and political freedom. In this context, the delicate balance between maintaining regional stability and avoiding undue influence from external powers, especially the West, emerges as a central challenge. The fear of becoming puppets in the hands of foreign entities underscores the pressing need for safeguarding the autonomy of nations within ECOWAS. Emphasizing dialogue, negotiations, and diplomacy as the preferred means of conflict resolution reflects a commitment to peaceful solutions, acknowledging the potential disastrous consequences of military intervention. By upholding these principles, the region can work towards fostering unity, preserving its cultural and political identity, and ensuring a sustainable and peaceful future for its people.