Coup in Niger | 08 Aug 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

Niger is currently in the midst of a political upheaval as a military coup has taken control, ousting the democratically elected President.

• The Sahel region, home to Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal, has witnessed political instability and ethnic tensions.
  • Weak governance, corruption, and ethnic clashes led to military interventions under the pretext of restoring stability.

What are the Key Points About Niger?

• Geography:
  • Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
  • Niger has more than 80% of its land area lying in the Sahara Desert.
    • Niger takes its name from the Niger River, which flows through the southwestern part of its territory
  • It is the largest country in West Africa and roughly twice the size of France.
    • Capital city: Niamey. 
• Historical Context:
  • Niger was a French colony until it gained independence in 1960.
  • The country experienced a series of military coups and political instability in the decades following independence.
• Climate: Desert, mostly hot, dry, dusty, tropical in extreme south.
• Economy: Niger is one of the world's poorest countries and faces challenges related to poverty, food security, and underdevelopment.
  • However, it has significant natural resources, including gold mining reserves and a significant share of global uranium production.
  • The economy is largely agrarian, with a focus on subsistence farming and livestock.
• Ethnic Groups: Hausa, Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, Fulani, Kanuri, Arab, Toubou.
• Official Language: French language is recognized as the official language of Niger.