Niger central to Sahel security

West African nations have imposed sanctions and threatened force if Niger’s coup leaders do not reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum following the latest coup in the jihadist-plagued Sahel

Tillabéri region: Regular target of atacks by
Al Qaeda and Islamic State-linked terrorists

U.S.: About 1,100 troops at two locations including drone base
 
Germany: About 200 troops

France: 1,000-1,500 troops as part of Operation Almahaou in Tillabéri region

Attacks by Boko Haram terrorists

Italy: 300 troops

MALI
Menaka
Tiloa
Niamey
TILLABERI
BURKINA FASO
Tillia
MIGERIA
NIGER
Diffa

200km 125 miles

Jul 26: President Mohamed Bazoum (left) is seized by members of presidential guard. Bazoum came to office in 2021, in Niger’s first democratic transfer of power


Jul 28: General Abdourahmane Tiani (right), declares himself head of state, claiming he seized power because of worsening security. Since 2021 at least 500 people have been killed in terrorist attacks

Economic Community of West African States and West African Economic and Monetary Union
ban commercial flights, halt financial transactions, freeze national assets

France suspends development aid which reached around €120 million last year. European Union suspends aid to Niger and stops all security cooperation


Sources: France 24, Politico, Reuters Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS