Editing Niger (section)

=== Post-colonial (1960–) ===
==== Diori years (1960–1974) ====
[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F028554-0009, Niger, Staatsbesuch Bundespräsident Lübke.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|200px|right|President [[Hamani Diori]] and visiting [[German President]] [[Heinrich Lübke]] greet crowds on a state visit to Niamey, 1969. Diori's single party rule was characterised by "good" relations with the West and a preoccupation with foreign affairs.]]
For its first 14 years as an independent state, Niger was run by a single-party civilian regime under the presidency of Hamani Diori.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hamani-Diori|title=Encyclopedia Britannica – Hamni Diori|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903003241/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hamani-Diori|archive-date=3 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The 1960s saw an expansion of the education system and some limited economic development and industrialisation.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> Links with France remained, with Diori allowing the development of French-led [[uranium]] mining in [[Arlit]] and supporting France in the [[Algerian War]].<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> Relations with other African states were mostly "positive", with the exception of [[Dahomey]] (Benin), owing to a [[Benin-Niger border|border]] dispute. Niger remained a one-party state throughout this period, with Diori surviving a planned coup in 1963 and an assassination attempt in 1965; most of this activity was masterminded by Djibo Bakary's MSA-Sawaba group which had launched an abortive rebellion in 1964.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/><ref>{{cite book |author=Jon Abbink |author2=Mirjam de Bruijn, Klaas van Walraven |title=Rethinking Resistance: revolt and violence in African history |year=2003 |url=https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/9606/ASC_1267345_058.pdf?sequence=1 |publisher=Brill Academic Publishers |isbn=90-04-12624-4 |chapter=''Sawaba's Rebellion in Niger (1964-64)'' |access-date=21 November 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805010044/https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/9606/ASC_1267345_058.pdf?sequence=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 1970s, a combination of economic difficulties, [[drought]]s and accusations of rampant corruption and mismanagement of food supplies resulted in a [[1974 Nigerien coup d'état|coup d'état]] that overthrew the Diori regime.

==== First military regime (1974–1991) ====
The coup had been masterminded by Col. [[Seyni Kountché]] and a military group under the name of the ''Conseil Militaire Supreme'', with Kountché going on to rule the country until his death in 1987.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> The first action of the military government was to address the food crisis.<ref>{{in lang|fr}} [http://perspective.usherbrooke.ca/bilan/servlet/BMEve?codeEve=574 Renversement du président Hamani Diori au Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022153822/http://perspective.usherbrooke.ca/bilan/servlet/BMEve?codeEve=574 |date=22 October 2014 }}. ''Perspective monde'', 15 avril 1974</ref> Whilst political prisoners of the Diori regime were released after the coup, political and individual freedoms in general deteriorated during this period. There were attempted coups (in 1975, 1976 and 1984) which were thwarted, their instigators being punished.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

[[File:Seyni Kountche 1983.jpg|thumb|200px|President [[Seyni Kountché]] during the state visit of West German President [[Karl Carstens]] to Niger in 1983]]
Kountché sought to create a 'development society', funded mostly by the uranium mines in [[Agadez Region]].<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> [[Parastatal]] companies were created, infrastructure (building and new roads, schools, health centres) constructed, and there was corruption in government agencies, which Kountché did not hesitate to punish.<ref>[https://nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/societe/2547-niamey-une-forte-tendance-a-la-depravation-des-moeurs Kountché: 30 ans après son coup d'état] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727084909/https://nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/societe/2547-niamey-une-forte-tendance-a-la-depravation-des-moeurs |date=27 July 2018 }}. ''Nigerdiaspora'', 10 novembre 2007 (republished on 6 November 2017).</ref> In the 1980s, Kountché began cautiously loosening the grip of the military, with some relaxation of state censorship and attempts made to 'civilianise' the regime.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> The economic boom ended following the collapse in uranium prices, and [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]]-led austerity and privatisation measures provoked opposition by some Nigeriens.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> In 1985, a Tuareg revolt in [[Tchintabaraden]] was suppressed.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> Kountché died in November 1987 from a brain tumour, and was succeeded by his chief of staff, Col. [[Ali Saibou]] who was confirmed as Chief of the Supreme Military Council four days later.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

Saibou curtailed the most repressive aspects of the Kountché era (such as the secret police and media censorship), and set about introducing a process of political reform under the overall direction of a single party (the ''Mouvement National pour la Société du Développement'', or MNSD).<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> A Second Republic was declared and a new constitution was drawn up, which was adopted following a [[1989 Nigerien constitutional referendum|referendum]] in 1989.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> General Saibou became the first president of the Second Republic after winning the [[1989 Nigerien general election|presidential election]] on 10 December 1989.<ref name="auto1">Nohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999) ''Elections in Africa: A data handbook'', p685 {{ISBN|0-19-829645-2}}</ref>

President Saibou's efforts to control political reforms failed in the face of trade union and student demands to institute a [[multi-party democracy|multi-party democratic system]]. On 9 February 1990, a violently repressed student march in Niamey led to the death of three students, which led to increased national and international pressure for further democratic reform.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> The Saibou regime acquiesced to these demands by the end of 1990.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> Meanwhile, trouble re-emerged in Agadez Region when a group of armed Tuaregs attacked the town of Tchintabaraden (seen by some as the start of the first [[Tuareg rebellion (1990–1995)|Tuareg Rebellion]]), prompting a military crackdown which led to deaths (the precise numbers are disputed, with estimates ranging from 70 to up to 1,000).<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

[[File:Ali Saibou cropped.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Ali Saibou]], President 1987–93, helped oversee the transition from military to civilian rule.]]

==== National Conference and Third Republic (1991–1996) ====
The National Sovereign Conference of 1991 brought about multi-party democracy. From 29 July to 3 November, a national conference gathered together all elements of society to make recommendations for the future direction of the country. The conference was presided over by Prof. [[André Salifou]] and developed a plan for a [[transitional government]]; this was then installed in November 1991 to manage the affairs of state until the institutions of the Third Republic were put into place in April 1993. After the National Sovereign Conference, the transitional government drafted a constitution that eliminated the previous single-party system of the 1989 Constitution and guaranteed more freedoms. The new constitution was adopted by a [[1992 Nigerien constitutional referendum|referendum]] on 26 December 1992.<ref>Walter S. Clarke, "The National Conference Phenomenon and the Management of Political Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa," in ''Ethnic Conflict and Democratization in Africa'', ed. Harvey Glickman. Atlanta: African Studies Assoc. Press, (1995) {{ISBN|0-918456-74-6}}</ref> Following this, presidential [[1993 Nigerien parliamentary election|elections]] were held and [[Mahamane Ousmane]] became the first president of the Third Republic on 27 March 1993.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/><ref name="auto1"/> Ousmane's presidency saw four government changes and legislative [[1995 Nigerien parliamentary election|elections]] in 1995, and an economic slump.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

The violence in Agadez Region continued during this period, prompting the Nigerien government to sign a truce with Tuareg rebels in 1992 which was ineffective owing to internal dissension within the Tuareg ranks.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> Another rebellion, led by dissatisfied [[Toubou]] peoples claiming that, like the Tuareg, the Nigerien government had neglected their region, broke out in the east of the country.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> In April 1995 a peace deal with a Tuareg rebel group was signed, with the government agreeing to absorb some former rebels into the military and, with French assistance, help others return to a productive civilian life.<ref>{{cite book|title=Niger Foreign Policy and Government Guide |date=2007 |publisher=Int'l Business Publications |isbn=9781433036873 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gwInUH18i8wC&q=The+niger+agreed+to+absorb+some+of+the+former+rebels+into+the+military+and%2C+with+French+assistance%2C+to+help+others+return+to+a+productive+civilian+life.&pg=PA28 |language=en}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==== Second and third military regimes (1996–1999) ====
The governmental paralysis prompted the military to intervene; on 27 January 1996, Col. [[Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara]] led a [[1996 Nigerien coup d'état|coup]] that deposed President Ousmane and ended the Third Republic.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/28/world/world-news-briefs-niger-s-elected-president-ousted-in-military-coup.html?pagewanted=1 Niger's Elected President Ousted in Military Coup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803195752/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/28/world/world-news-briefs-niger-s-elected-president-ousted-in-military-coup.html?pagewanted=1 |date=3 August 2018 }} New York Times, 28 January 1996</ref><ref name=Obit>Kaye Whiteman, [https://web.archive.org/web/20150924095159/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19990412/ai_n14221141 "Obituary: Ibrahim Bare Mainassara"], ''The Independent'' (London), 12 April 1999.</ref> Maïnassara headed a ''Conseil de Salut National'' (National Salvation Council) composed of military officials which carried out a six-month transition period, during which a constitution was drafted and adopted on 12 May 1996.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

Presidential campaigns were organised in the months that followed. Maïnassara entered the campaign as an independent candidate and won the [[1996 Nigerien parliamentary election|election]] on 8 July 1996, the elections were viewed nationally and internationally by some as irregular, as the electoral commission was replaced during the campaign.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> Meanwhile, Maïnassara instigated an [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]] and [[World Bank]]-approved privatisation programme which enriched some of his supporters and were opposed by the trade unions.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> Following fraudulent local elections in 1999 the opposition ceased any cooperation with the Maïnassara regime.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> In unknown circumstances (possibly attempting to flee the country), Maïnassara was assassinated at [[Niamey Airport]] on 9 April 1999.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358644/Ibrahim-Bare-Mainassara|title=Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=9 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330145938/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358644/Ibrahim-Bare-Mainassara|archive-date=30 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=1999: President of Niger 'killed in ambush'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/9/newsid_2463000/2463927.stm|access-date=9 April 2014|newspaper=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415001633/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/9/newsid_2463000/2463927.stm|archive-date=15 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Maj. [[Daouda Malam Wanké]] then took over, establishing a transitional National Reconciliation Council to oversee the drafting of a constitution with a French-style [[semi-presidential system]]. This was adopted on 9 August 1999 and was followed by presidential and legislative [[1999 Nigerien general election|elections]] in October and November of the same year.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/315663.stm Niger: A copybook coup d'etat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202132822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/315663.stm |date=2 February 2020 }}, 9 April 1999, BBC. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/316037.stm Military controls Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202133756/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/316037.stm |date=2 February 2020 }}, 10 April 1999, BBC.</ref> The elections were generally found to be free and fair by international observers. Wanké then withdrew from governmental affairs.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

==== Fifth Republic (1999–2009) ====
[[File:Nigerien MNJ fighter technical gun.JPG|thumb|A [[Tuareg people|Tuareg]] rebel fighter in northern Niger during the Second Tuareg Rebellion, 2008]]
After winning the election in November 1999, President [[Tandja Mamadou]] was sworn into office on 22 December 1999 as the first president of the Fifth Republic. Mamadou brought about administrative and economic reforms that had been halted due to the military coups since the Third Republic, and helped peacefully resolve a decades-long boundary dispute with Benin.<ref>{{citation|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2005/07/144962-un-world-court-decides-niger-benin-border-dispute|publisher=UN News|title=UN World Court decides Niger, Benin border dispute|date=13 July 2019|access-date=8 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108193311/https://news.un.org/en/story/2005/07/144962-un-world-court-decides-niger-benin-border-dispute|archive-date=8 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Fabio Spadi (2005) [http://www.ljil.leidenuniv.nl/index.php3?m=5&c=186 The ICJ Judgment in the Benin-Niger Border Dispute: the interplay of titles and 'effectivités' under the uti possidetis juris principle, ''Leiden Journal of International Law''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929032048/http://www.ljil.leidenuniv.nl/index.php3?m=5&c=186 |date=29 September 2006 }} 18: 777–794</ref> In August 2002, unrest within military camps occurred in [[Niamey]], [[Diffa]], and [[Nguigmi]], and the government was able to restore order within days. On 24 July 2004, municipal elections were held to elect local representatives, previously appointed by the government. These elections were followed by presidential elections, in which Mamadou was re-elected for a second term, thus becoming the first president of the republic to win consecutive elections without being deposed by military coups.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/><ref>[http://democratie.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/NIGER_RMO1611_04122004.pdf "RAPPORT DE LA MISSION D’OBSERVATION DES ELECTIONS PRESIDENTIELLES ET LEGISLATIVES DES 16 NOVEMBRE ET 4 DECEMBRE 2004"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622081649/http://democratie.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/NIGER_RMO1611_04122004.pdf |date=22 June 2007 }}, democratie.francophonie.org {{in lang|fr}}.</ref> The legislative and executive configuration remained somewhat similar to that of the first term of the president: [[Hama Amadou]] was reappointed as prime minister and [[Mahamane Ousmane]], the head of the CDS party, was re-elected as the president of the National Assembly (parliament) by his peers.

By 2007, the relationship between President Tandja Mamadou and his prime minister had "deteriorated", leading to the replacement of the latter in June 2007 by [[Seyni Oumarou]] following a successful vote of no confidence at the Assembly.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> President Tandja Mamadou sought to extend his presidency by modifying the constitution which limited presidential terms. Proponents of the extended presidency, who rallied behind the 'Tazartche' (Hausa for 'overstay') movement, were countered by opponents ('anti-Tazartche') composed of opposition party militants and civil society activists.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

The north saw the outbreak of a [[Second Tuareg Rebellion]] in 2007 led by the ''[[Niger Movement for Justice|Mouvement des Nigériens pour la justice]]'' (MNJ). With a number of kidnappings the rebellion had "largely fizzled out inconclusively" by 2009.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/> The "poor" security situation in the region is thought to have allowed elements of [[Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb]] (AQIM) to gain a foothold in the country.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

==== Sixth republic and fourth military regime (2009–2010) ====
In 2009, President Tandja Mamadou decided to organize a constitutional referendum seeking to [[2009–2010 Nigerien constitutional crisis|extend his presidency]], which was opposed by other political parties, and went against the decision of the Constitutional Court which had ruled that the referendum would be unconstitutional. Mamadou then modified and adopted a new constitution by referendum, which was declared illegal by the Constitutional Court, prompting Mamadou to dissolve the Court and assume emergency powers.<ref name=Reutersjune26>[https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLQ2439220090626 Niger president rules by decree after court snub] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629050556/http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLQ2439220090626 |date=29 June 2009 }}. Reuters. Fri 26 June 2009</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8121974.stm Emergency powers for Niger leader] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116071655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8121974.stm |date=16 November 2018 }}. BBC. 26 June 2009.</ref> The opposition boycotted the referendum and the constitution was adopted with 92.5% of voters and a 68% turnout, according to official results. The adoption of the constitution created a Sixth Republic, with a [[presidential system]], the suspension of the 1999 Constitution, and a three-year interim government with Tandja Mamadou as president. The events generated political and social unrest.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/>

In a [[2010 Nigerien coup d'état|coup d'état]] in February 2010, a military junta led by [[Salou Djibo]] was established in response to Tandja's attempted extension of his political term.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8523196.stm "Military coup ousts Niger president Mamadou Tandja"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219053310/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8523196.stm |date=19 February 2010 }}, [[British Broadcasting Corporation]], 19 February 2010</ref> The [[Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy]], headed by Djibo, carried out a one-year transition plan, drafted a constitution and held elections in 2011.

==== Seventh Republic (2010–2023) ====
[[File:Niger, Barkiawal Béri (04), vue aérienne avec RN25.jpg|thumb|Semi-arid Niger is threatened by further [[Desertification in Africa|desertification]].]]
Following the adoption of a constitution in 2010 and [[2011 Nigerien general election|presidential elections]] a year later, [[Mahamadou Issoufou]] was elected as the first president of the Seventh Republic; he was then [[2016 Nigerien general election|re-elected]] in 2016.<ref name="H-Dictionary"/><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-niger-election-idUSKCN0WO0ZN "Boycott helps Niger President Issoufou win re-election"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304072455/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-niger-election-idUSKCN0WO0ZN |date=4 March 2020 }}, Reuters, 22 March 2016.</ref> The constitution restored the semi-presidential system which had been abolished a year earlier. An attempted coup against him in 2011 was thwarted and its ringleaders arrested.<ref name=FITWreport>{{cite web|title=Freedom in the World 2012: Niger|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2012/niger|publisher=Freedom House|access-date=8 April 2013|year=2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025073132/http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2012/niger|archive-date=25 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Issoufou's time in office was marked by threats to the country's security, stemming from the fallout from the [[Libyan Civil War]] and [[Northern Mali conflict]], [[jihadist insurgency in Niger|an insurgency in western Niger]] by [[al-Qaeda]] and [[Islamic State]], the spillover of Nigeria's [[Boko Haram insurgency]] into south-eastern Niger, and the use of Niger as a transit country for migrants (often organised by [[people-smuggling]] [[gang]]s).<ref>{{citation|url= https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_unhcr-attacks-nw-nigeria-send-thousands-fleeing-niger/6176607.html|publisher= News 24|title= UNHCR: Attacks in NW Nigeria Send Thousands Fleeing to Niger|date= 27 September 2019|access-date= 8 November 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191108190356/https://www.voanews.com/africa/unhcr-attacks-nw-nigeria-send-thousands-fleeing-niger|archive-date= 8 November 2019|url-status= live}}</ref> French and American forces assisted Niger in countering these threats.<ref>{{cite web|title=France ready to strike extremists on Libya border|url=http://asian-defence-news.blogspot.fr/2015/01/france-ready-to-strike-extremists-on.html|website=Asian Defense News|date=6 January 2015|publisher=6 January 2015|access-date=6 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031907/http://asian-defence-news.blogspot.fr/2015/01/france-ready-to-strike-extremists-on.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> 

On 10 December 2019, a large group of fighters belonging to the [[Islamic State in the Greater Sahara]] (IS-GS) [[Battle of Inates|attacked]] a military post in [[Inates]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Behind the Jihadist Attack in Inates |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/niger/behind-jihadist-attack-inates |work=[[ReliefWeb]] |date=13 December 2019}}</ref> killing over seventy [[Niger Armed Forces|soldiers]] and kidnapping others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191211-niger-soldiers-killed-attack-sahel-military-camp-issoufou-keita-macron-france-tuareg-islamic-state-al-qaeda-dead|title=At least 70 soldiers killed in attack on Niger military camp|date=2019-12-11|website=France 24|language=en|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref> The attack was the deadliest single incident Niger's military has ever experienced.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/scores-soldiers-killed-niger-base-attack-191211184533878.html|title=Scores of soldiers killed in Niger base attack|date=11 December 2019|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref> On 9 January 2020, a large group of IS-GS militants [[Battle of Chinagodrar|assaulted]] a Nigerien military base at Chinagodrar, in Niger's [[Tillabéri Region]], killing at least 89 Nigerien soldiers.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Aksar |first1=Moussa |last2=Lewis |first2=David |last3=Balima |first3=Boureima |last4=Ross |first4=Aaron |date=2020-01-11 |title=Niger army base attack death toll rises to at least 89: security sources |language=en |work=Reuters |editor-last=Elgood |editor-first=Giles |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-niger-security-idUSKBN1ZA0TH |access-date=2023-07-09}}</ref>

On 27 December 2020, Nigeriens [[2020–21 Nigerien general election|went to the polls]] after Issoufou announced he would step down, paving the way to a [[peaceful transition of power]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=AfricaNews|date=2021-01-07|title=Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou set to exit power|url=https://www.africanews.com/2021/01/07/nigerien-president-mahamadou-issoufou-set-to-exit-power/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Africanews|language=en|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204003650/https://www.africanews.com/2021/01/07/nigerien-president-mahamadou-issoufou-set-to-exit-power//|url-status=live}}</ref> No candidate won an absolute majority in the vote: [[Mohamed Bazoum]] came closest with 39.33%. Per the constitution, a run-off election was held on 20 February 2021, with Bazoum taking 55.75% of the vote and opposition candidate (and former president) [[Mahamane Ousmane]] taking 44.25%, according to the electoral commission.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-02-23|title=Niger election: Mohamed Bazoum wins landmark vote amid protests|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56175439|access-date=2021-02-23|archive-date=23 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223191809/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56175439|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the start of 2021 with the [[Tchoma Bangou and Zaroumdareye massacres]], IS-GS began killing civilians en masse.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-25 |title=Massacres au Niger: peut-on éviter une guerre sans fin? |url=https://www.lavie.fr/actualite/massacres-au-niger-peut-on-eviter-une-guerre-sans-fin-72347.php |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=La Vie.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref> On 21 March 2021, the IS-GS militants [[Tillia massacres|attacked]] several villages around [[Tillia]], killing 141 people, mostly civilians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macé |first=Célian |title=Au Niger, l'escalade macabre de l'Etat islamique |url=https://www.liberation.fr/international/afrique/au-niger-les-tueries-a-repetition-de-letat-islamique-20210322_3YXC74YX6NHWPELFD5OH6MR3VQ/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Libération |language=fr}}</ref>

On 31 March 2021, Niger's security forces thwarted an [[2021 Nigerien coup d'état attempt|attempted coup]] by a military unit in the capital, [[Niamey]]. Gunfire was heard in the presidential palace. The attack took place two days before newly elected president [[Mohamed Bazoum]] was due to be sworn into office. The Presidential Guard arrested some people during the incident.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Niger: Attack on presidential palace an 'attempted coup'|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/31/heavy-gunfire-heard-near-nigers-presidency|access-date=2021-03-31|website=aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=31 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331175659/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/31/heavy-gunfire-heard-near-nigers-presidency|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 April 2021, Bazoum was sworn in as the [[President of Niger]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/2/niger-president-to-be-sworn-in-after-attempted-coup |title=Mohamed Bazoum sworn in as Niger's president amid tensions |work=Aljazeera |first=Giacomo |last=Zandonini |date=2 April 2021 |access-date=26 August 2021 |archive-date=11 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811072217/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/2/niger-president-to-be-sworn-in-after-attempted-coup |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Fifth military regime (2023–present) ====
{{clear}}
[[File:Alliance of Sahel States.svg|thumb|upright|The [[Alliance of Sahel States]]]]
Late on 26 July 2023, a [[2023 Nigerien coup d'état|coup by the military]] overthrew Bazoum, putting an end to the Seventh Republic and the [[Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou's government|government]] of Prime Minister [[Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2023 |title=Niger soldiers announce coup on national TV |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66320895 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727000929/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66320895 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |access-date=27 July 2023 |work=BBC.com}}</ref> On 28 July, General [[Abdourahamane Tchiani]] was proclaimed as the ''de facto'' head of state of the country.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 July 2023 |title=Niger general Tchiani named head of transitional government after coup |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/28/niger-general-tchiani-named-head-of-transitional-government-after-coup |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728112129/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/28/niger-general-tchiani-named-head-of-transitional-government-after-coup |archive-date=28 July 2023 |access-date=28 July 2023 |publisher=Aljazeera}}</ref> Former finance minister [[Ali Lamine Zeine]] was declared the new [[Prime Minister of Niger]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 August 2023 |title=Officiel : voici la liste des membres du gouvernement de Transition |url=https://www.actuniger.com/politique/19415-officiel-voici-la-liste-des-membres-du-gouvernement-de-transition.html |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=actuniger.com |language=French |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907183917/https://actuniger.com/politique/19415-officiel-voici-la-liste-des-membres-du-gouvernement-de-transition.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The coup was condemned by ECOWAS, which in the [[2023 Nigerien crisis]] threatened to use military intervention to reinstate the government of Bazoum if the coup leaders did not by 6 August.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lawal |first=Shola |title=Niger coup: Divisions as ECOWAS military threat fails to play out |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/6/niger-coup-divisions-as-ecowas-military-threat-fails-to-play-out |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=7 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807213944/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/6/niger-coup-divisions-as-ecowas-military-threat-fails-to-play-out |url-status=live }}</ref> The deadline passed without military intervention, though ECOWAS imposed sanctions, including cuts of Nigerian energy exports to Niger which had previously provided 70–90% of Niger's power.<ref name="apnews.com">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-24 |title=West Africa bloc lifts coup sanctions on Niger in a new push for dialogue to resolve tensions |url=https://apnews.com/article/west-africa-ecowas-niger-mali-burkina-faso-abuja-ae53abf8464dce5487cd7a3d73e0a9c0 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312031034/https://apnews.com/article/west-africa-ecowas-niger-mali-burkina-faso-abuja-ae53abf8464dce5487cd7a3d73e0a9c0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-21 |title=Power cuts in Niger threaten to spoil millions of vaccines as sanctions take their toll, UN says |url=https://apnews.com/article/niger-coup-unicef-vaccines-5e7d6610635b0aa2ffe6570cc417930e |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405213918/https://apnews.com/article/niger-coup-unicef-vaccines-5e7d6610635b0aa2ffe6570cc417930e |url-status=live }}</ref> In November the coup-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the [[Alliance of Sahel States]] in opposition to potential military intervention.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=A newly formed alliance between coup-hit countries in Africa's Sahel is seen as tool for legitimacy |url=https://apnews.com/article/sahel-coups-niger-tchiani-mali-burkina-faso-insecurity-e96627c700aa4fcf8d060dd9d2d16667 |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308183048/https://apnews.com/article/sahel-coups-niger-tchiani-mali-burkina-faso-insecurity-e96627c700aa4fcf8d060dd9d2d16667 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 February 2024 several ECOWAS sanctions against Niger were dropped, reportedly for humanitarian and diplomatic reasons,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-25 |title=Nigeria restores electricity supply to Niger as ECOWAS lifts sanctions – Daily Trust |url=https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-restores-electricity-supply-to-niger-as-ecowas-lifts-sanctions/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=dailytrust.com/ |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405213918/https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-restores-electricity-supply-to-niger-as-ecowas-lifts-sanctions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Nigeria agreed to resume electricity exports to Niger.<ref name=":3"/><ref name="apnews.com"/>

In the buildup to the August ECOWAS deadline, the junta requested help from the Russian [[Wagner Group]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-05 |title=Niger's junta asks for help from Russian group Wagner as it faces military intervention threat |url=https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russia-coup-niger-military-force-e0e1108b58a9e955af465a3efe6605c0 |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011083602/https://apnews.com/article/wagner-russia-coup-niger-military-force-e0e1108b58a9e955af465a3efe6605c0 |url-status=live }}</ref> though Wagner mercenaries were not known to have entered the country as a result.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}} In October the junta expelled French troops from the country, presenting the move as a step towards sovereignty from the former colonial power,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-11 |title=French troops are starting to withdraw from Niger and junta leaders give UN head 72 hours to leave |url=https://apnews.com/article/france-niger-coup-military-withdrawal-bfa3afe3fdfa034dabe3dce265540411 |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=12 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512023400/https://apnews.com/article/france-niger-coup-military-withdrawal-bfa3afe3fdfa034dabe3dce265540411 |url-status=live }}</ref> and in December it suspended cooperation with the [[Francophonie]] alleging its promotion of French interests.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Niger suspends cooperation with international Francophone body |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/12/25/niger-suspends-cooperation-with-international-francophone-body |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421154427/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/12/25/niger-suspends-cooperation-with-international-francophone-body |url-status=live }}</ref> UN resident coordinator [[Louise Aubin]] was also expelled in October after the junta alleged "underhanded maneuvers" by UN secretary-general António Guterres to prevent the country's participation in the UN General Assembly.<ref name=":4"/> In October the U.S. officially designated the takeover as a coup, suspending most Niger–U.S. military cooperation as well as hundreds of millions of dollars of foreign assistance programs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=The US declares the ousting of Niger's president a coup and suspends military aid and training |url=https://apnews.com/article/niger-coup-united-states-designation-2ab984947c69e99e83ce417696a758c7 |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421154427/https://apnews.com/article/niger-coup-united-states-designation-2ab984947c69e99e83ce417696a758c7 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2024, Russian military trainers and equipment began to arrive in Niger under a new military agreement,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-12 |title=Russian troops arrive in Niger as military agreement begins |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68796359 |access-date=2024-04-21 |language=en-GB}}</ref> and the U.S. agreed to withdraw troops from Niger<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-20 |title=US agrees to pull troops out of Niger |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68860092 |access-date=2024-04-21 |language=en-GB |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421084251/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68860092 |url-status=live }}</ref> following the termination of a Niger–U.S. agreement that had allowed US personnel to be stationed in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-03-17 |title=Niger's junta revokes military agreement with US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68590531 |access-date=2024-04-23 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
{{clear}}