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Niger’s fate matters because it is the last democratic country in the Sahel region that is unequivocally committed to fighting terrorism, a commitment made possible by support from France and the U.S. Over the past decade the U.S. has deployed 1,100 soldiers in our desert, invested $500 million in our military, and given $2.3 billion in development assistance. These resources help American military and intelligence organizations gather vital information on al Qaeda, Boko Haram and ISIS. They all operate in Niger, whose area is nearly twice that of Afghanistan.
Thanks to these partnerships, Niger has enjoyed its safest period in decades. Our improved security enabled social and economic progress in a country where women have seven children on average and the average age is 15. Under the last two democratic governments, economic growth increased due to investments in women’s rights, education, sustainable energy and agriculture.
A philosophy teacher turned union leader, President Bazoum was elected in 2021 with 55.6% of the vote, carrying out the first peaceful transition of power in Niger’s history. His vision of a pro-Western and anticorruption path to development captured the nation’s hopes; when the coup plotters imprisoned him, they attacked Niger’s future.
President Bazoum’s inhumane detention is unacceptable, yet he possesses an unbreakable spirit. He is prepared to sacrifice his life for his democratic ideals.
As diplomats and emissaries from the U.S., Nigeria and Chad discovered in the past week, the coup plotters are bullies. Their only motivation is personal enrichment. They believe that assassinating Mr. Bazoum will keep them alive, that Wagner Group mercenaries will defend their power, and that Russian propaganda is a substitute for sustainable development.
Niger will become a failed state if the coup succeeds. The U.S. will soon be forced to withdraw its forces, giving Islamist terrorists free rein to plan violent acts.
