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Colonialism and the Niger Coup

The military leaders of Niger can count on Nigeriens’ support thanks to anti-colonial sentiment — but for how long?

Colonialism & the Niger Coup
By Danylo Hawaleshka
Published On 13 Aug 2023

History Illustrated is a weekly series of insightful perspectives that puts news events and current affairs into historical context using graphics generated with artificial intelligence.

Regardless of efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron, a post-colonial hostility towards France persists in Niger that benefits leaders of the July 26 coup.
Regardless of efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron, a post-colonial hostility towards France persists in Niger that benefits leaders of the July 26 coup.
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French colonialism in Niger got off to a notorious start with a brutal military campaign to expand France’s control of West Africa in 1899.
French colonialism in Niger got off to a notorious start with a brutal military campaign to expand France’s control of West Africa in 1899.
Over the years, several uprisings took aim at French control, including a Tuareg rebellion in 1916.
Over the years, several uprisings took aim at French control, including a Tuareg rebellion in 1916.
But it wasn’t until August 3, 1960, that Niger finally gained independence.
But it wasn’t until August 3, 1960, that Niger finally gained independence.
Even so, the French stuck around to court Nigerien elites, provide military muscle and sign lucrative mining deals.
Even so, the French stuck around to court Nigerien elites, provide military muscle and sign lucrative mining deals.
Since 1960, grinding poverty and political instability have been the backdrop to five coups, including the latest by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Since 1960, grinding poverty and political instability have been the backdrop to five coups, including the latest by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
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On July 30, anti-French sentiment was on full display during a pro-coup demonstration outside the French embassy in the capital, Niamey.
On July 30, anti-French sentiment was on full display during a pro-coup demonstration outside the French embassy in the capital, Niamey.
Macron now has a problem: How does he protect France’s interests, which include 1,500 French soldiers at an airbase in Niamey deployed to fight armed groups in the Sahel region?
Macron now has a problem: How does he protect France’s interests, which include 1,500 French soldiers at an airbase in Niamey deployed to fight armed groups in the Sahel region?
Coup leaders in Niger have played to anti-colonial sentiment, but sanctions now threaten to make people’s lives even more difficult than they already are — something the military rulers will find challenging to overcome.
Coup leaders in Niger have played to anti-colonial sentiment, but sanctions now threaten to make people’s lives even more difficult than they already are — something the military rulers will find challenging to overcome.