Bazoum’s international ties may boost Niger's economy

Significance

These include the rotating leadership of the West African CFA Franc monetary zone and hosting several major African Union (AU) and international summits. He is attempting to leverage perceptions of Niger as a comparative beacon of stability and good governance in the region to attract more donor funding and investments to boost the economy.

Impacts

• A military coup remains a possibility in the medium term.
• The political opposition may become more active in the coming year.
• Bazoum’s close ties to Paris will drive popular resentment of the French military presence and France’s regional policies.