Niger prepares for delicate balancing act
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Significance
He dominates the political scene, but faces a hostile security environment. France’s rebasing of the troops withdrawing from Mali in Niger is both a boon and a risk for the president, as it could help stem the insecurity if managed well, but could also create blowback political risks.
Impacts
- Niger’s closeness to France is a key factor in securing development aid.
- The government will pursue critics with legal cases.
- If French forces are involved in operations with high civilian casualties, the president’s image will be dented.