On July 26, 2023, Niger was thrown into political turmoil. A coup d'etat was announced on state television just hours after members of the presidential guard detained democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

The coup was led by the head of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, with support from elements of the nation's armed forces.

When he took power two years ago, Tchiani justified the coup by citing growing insecurity, harsh economic conditions and what he described as excessive influence from Western powers, particularly the country's former colonial ruler, France.

Niger has experienced multiple military takeovers in the past, but this time was different: Many citizens took to the streets to show their support for the military leaders.

But in the two years that followed, some analysts say little has changed for the better. "In some cases, the situation has worsened," Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, executive director of the West African Center for Counter Extremism, told DW.

With the events of July 26, Niger joined the ranks of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, which were already under military rule. In early 2024, Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, announced its withdrawal from........

© Deutsche Welle