Niger Coup: Why Western Nations Have Troops Here
Relevance: GS 2 - Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Prelims - Current Events of International Importance
(Source: Indian Express, 08/01/23)
Click here for Daily Current Affairs
Why in the news?
- Recently, an army-led coup in Niger removed President Mohamed Bazoum Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Niger's first democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960.
Table of Contents
Reason behind the Niger coup
- Insurgent attacks: The country’s leadership was unable to stop insurgent attacks despite the increase in foreign forces, especially from the US and France.
- Insecurity: The large number of foreign military troops and bases in the country has not been well received by the military.
- Declining economic prospects.
- Ethnicity and legitimacy of President: President Mohamed Bazoum Bazoum is from Niger’s ethnic Arab minority and has always been labeled as having foreign origins.
Why do Western nations have troops in Niger?
- Fight Terrorism: Foreign troops are stationed in Niger to fight Islamist insurgencies in West Africa's semi-arid Sahel region.
- The Sahel is the vast semi-arid region of Africa separating the Sahara Desert to the north and tropical savannas to the south.
- Nuclear reserves: According to the World Nuclear Association (WNA), Niger is the world's seventh-biggest producer of uranium and has Africa's highest-grade uranium ores.
- Niger is the provider of 15 percent of France’s uranium needs and accounts for a fifth of the EU’s uranium stock.
|
Country |
Troops |
|---|---|
|
France |
1,000 and 1,500 troops in Niger, with support from drones and warplanes. |
|
Italy |
300 soldiers |
|
USA |
1,100 U.S. troops in Niger, the U.S. military operates out of two bases, |
|
European Union |
The bloc has 50-100 troops for a three-year military training mission, to help the country improve its logistics and infrastructure. |
|
Wagner/Russia |
Anti-French sentiment has paved the way for the Russian private military group Wagner. |
Conclusion
- The attempted military coup in Niger threatens to undermine the relative progress the country has made under its civilian democratic leaders and amplifies Niger’s risks for insecurity, economic crises, and political instability.
India-Niger relations
|
(*Click this link to read prelims specific weekly current affairs articles)
FAQs
Question: Which countries border Niger?
Answer:
Niger officially the Republic of Niger is a landlocked country in Western Africa, named after the Niger River. It borders Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the east.
Question: What is Wagner Group?
Answer:
The Wagner Group, officially called PMC Wagner, is a Russian paramilitary organization that operates beyond the law in Russia. It is basically a private military company and a network of mercenaries. The group was first identified in 2014 while backing pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.
In 2014, it was a secretive organization that was mostly operating in Africa and the Middle East
Question: What is the Sahel?
Answer:
The Sahel is the vast semi-arid region of Africa separating the Sahara Desert to the north and tropical savannas to the south. The Sahel is also a hotbed of ethno-religious violence, political instability, food insecurity, poverty and natural disasters.
MCQ
Question: Consider the following statements:
- Niger is a landlocked country in Western Africa
- Niger borders Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) See the Explanation
- Niger officially the Republic of Niger is a landlocked country in Western Africa, named after the Niger River. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Niger borders Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the east. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
Download the PREPP App and attempt FREE IAS Exam Mock Tests and get complete study material!
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1 Question Paper (24-May-2026)
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 CSAT Paper 2 Question Paper (24-May-2026)
17 February 2025 | The Hindu Must Read Articles | Current Affairs
16 February 2026 | The Hindu Must Read Articles | Current Affairs
13 February 2026 | The Hindu Must Read Articles | Current Affairs
Comments