Fostering Lasting Stability And Democratic Progress In Niger And The Sahel: A Comprehensive Approach To Strategic Engagement

By Ambassador Omar Arouna, MBA

 According to the U.S State department on August, 7^th, 2023  “Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland traveled to Niamey to express our grave concern regarding developments in Niger and our resolute commitment to supporting democracy and constitutional order. The United States continues to call for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained as part of the extra-constitutional attempt to seize power”. Following her trip and in a conference held from Niamey the U.S diplomate in a readout of the trip indicated that “because we wanted to speak frankly to the people responsible to this challenge to the democratic order to see if we could try to resolve these issues diplomatically, if we could get some negotiations going, and also to make absolutely clear what is at stake in our relationship and the economic and other kinds of support that we will legally have to cut off if democracy is not restored”

I am happy the U.S is engaging early and directly in Niger without the usual filters of its traditional allies.  However, the situation in Niger presents a multifaceted challenge that demands a comprehensive analysis.

While many have been quick to advocate for the return of constitutional order and the reinstatement of President Bazoum, a deeper examination is crucial to understanding the root causes of the coup and the genuine support the Junta seems to have garnered among the Nigerien population.

Beyond the surface-level demand for democracy, it’s essential to inquire why the people of Niger are rejoicing and supporting the Junta. This suggests a level of discontentment with the previous administration, possibly rooted in socio-economic disparities, governance issues, or unmet public expectations. The quick attribution of external factors, such as Russia’s Wagner involvement, might overshadow the complex internal dynamics at play.

From a U.S perspective, engaging in a knee-jerk reaction of demanding a return to the status quo might overlook the opportunity to address the underlying grievances that fueled the coup. Instead of solely fixating on the immediate restoration of democratic norms, the U.S could take a more nuanced approach. By delving into the societal pulse and uncovering the true aspirations and concerns of the Nigerien people, a more tailored and effective solution could emerge.

The U.S should also recognize that the situation offers a chance to engage diplomatically, helping in fostering inclusive governance, socioeconomic development, and strengthening democratic institutions. By digging deeper and bypassing conventional narratives, the U.S can play a more constructive role in supporting Niger’s path towards stability, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.

In essence, the Niger situation demands a shift from reactive responses to proactive, strategic engagement. A deeper analysis that accounts for local realities and aspirations, while addressing root causes, holds the promise of not only resolving the immediate crisis but also of fostering a more stable and resilient Niger in the long term.

The situation in the region as a whole offers an intriguing parallel to the U.S engagement with Eastern European countries following the fall of the Berlin Wall. Just as the U.S adopted a strategic and comprehensive approach to support the transition to democracy and development in those nations, a similar model could be explored in Africa and the Sahel region.

By recognizing that the various coup in the regions are not merely a singular events but symptoms of broader societal challenges, the U.S can adopt a multifaceted strategy. This strategy could involve diplomatic efforts to engage with multiple stakeholders, including the Junta’s in Guinea, Mali, Burkina, Niger and civil society groups, fostering dialogue and understanding.

Furthermore, drawing inspiration from the Eastern European example, the U.S could offer assistance in building democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and providing technical expertise to address socioeconomic disparities through the Sahel region in an integrated manner. This approach goes beyond just advocating for a return to the constitutional order and delves into the complexities that underlie the situation.

The U.S could also collaborate with international partners and organizations to coordinate efforts aimed at stabilizing the Sahel region as a whole. By focusing on regional stability, economic development, and security cooperation, the U.S can contribute to addressing the root causes of instability and extremism in the region.

In conclusion, the U.S has an opportunity to learn from its past successes in Eastern Europe and apply a similar approach to the challenges in Niger and the Sahel. By embracing a comprehensive and strategic engagement that takes into account local realities and aspirations, the U.S can play a pivotal role in fostering lasting stability, development, and democratic progress in the region.

*Ambassador Omar Arouna is a former envoy of Benin to the USA, a Cybersecurity Technologist, International Relations and Africa market entry strategist and consultant