Niger’s security apparatus was dominated by foreign forces until the military coup of July 26, 2023, Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Salifou Mody revealed in a televised statement on Tuesday.
“Our defense and security forces existed but lacked synergy, resulting in a disorganized structure,” Mody said, highlighting that this situation primarily benefited foreign forces, particularly the French military. He described it as a “state of insecurity,” where external experts overstepped their roles and interfered in matters beyond their authority.
He claimed the pre-coup system created an illusion, both domestically and internationally, that Niger enjoyed stability. However, Mody argued the country’s security has improved significantly since the coup, despite sanctions and embargoes from regional and Western allies.
Niger has been under military rule since July 2023, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. Following the coup, the administration severed diplomatic and military ties with France, its former colonizer, and aligned more closely with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali.
The three nations, now part of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and have initiated joint projects to bolster regional cooperation. These include a 5,000-strong joint force to combat terrorism, a regional investment bank, shared infrastructure projects, and a joint online television channel.
The AES also announced the introduction of common regional passports, effective January 29, to facilitate the free movement of people and goods as the countries officially exit ECOWAS.