Aissata, a 60-year-old Nigerien woman, returned to her homeland from the United States after retirement. Following a coup against President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, she has supported the new military government led by President Abdourahamane Tchiani. Aissata believes Tchiani’s promises to prioritize Niger and Nigeriens are what the country needs. However, the coup and subsequent economic sanctions from ECOWAS have led to rising food prices, electricity shortages, and delayed oil exports. The rift between Niger and France has deepened, with Niger revoking a major uranium deposit license from a French company. France closed its embassy in Niamey following the withdrawal of its soldiers from Niger. The nation is deeply divided, with some supporting the junta and others loyal to Bazoum. Bazoum, who has been confined with his family since the coup, recently had his immunity stripped, paving the way for potential charges of high treason. The new government’s actions have been criticized for their alleged witch-hunt against Bazoum supporters. Aissata and her sister, Fatima, have a strained relationship due to their differing political views. Despite their disagreements, Aissata supports the new government, while Fatima criticizes it for its divisive rhetoric and alleged abuse of power. The future of Niger remains uncertain as tensions continue to rise between supporters of the military government and those loyal to Bazoum.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
Families Tested by Niger’s Split Political Loyalties one Year After Coup | Politics News
