In a shocking turn of events, the democratically elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, has been ousted from power by the very individuals entrusted to safeguard and uphold his office - the presidential guards stationed outside his palace.

President Bazoum had made history as the first democratically elected leader to succeed another in Niger since its independence in 1960.

However, his presidency was cut short as his captors, the presidential guards, have taken control of the country. They have gone on to suspend Niger's constitution and have appointed Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani as the new head of state.

Niger holds a significant position in the African region known as the Sahel, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. The area is grappling with ongoing jihadist insurgency and has a history of military rule.

The international community, particularly Western nations, had viewed Niger as a vital pillar against further instability and the spread of Russian influence in the region. Unfortunately, those hopes have been dashed as the recent events unfold.

The crisis in Niger has profound implications, and the situation is closely being monitored by the global community.

Why is Niger important?

From a geographical standpoint, Niger holds the distinction of being the largest country in West Africa.

On the political front, it has been regarded as a beacon of relative democratic stability in recent times, in stark contrast to its neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, which have experienced military coups.

Strategically, Niger plays a crucial role as it hosts military bases belonging to both France and the United States, making it a significant partner in the global fight against Islamist insurgents.

In fact, the US state department recognizes Niger's importance, describing it as a linchpin for stability in the Sahel and a reliable counter-terrorism partner against various Islamist groups associated with either Islamic State or al-Qaeda.

Economically, Niger boasts substantial uranium reserves, accounting for 7% of the world's total supplies. The significance of this radioactive metal is so profound that one of the grandest thoroughfares in the capital, Niamey, is named the Avenue de l'Uranium.

Despite its uranium wealth, the people of Niger continually face challenges, consistently ranking as having the lowest standards of living anywhere in the world.

Why did the coup happen?

The Sahel region is a turbulent and unstable part of the world and democracy is currently in retreat there.

Violent Islamist groups have gained ground by controlling territory and conducting attacks in the tri-border region between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

The mutinous soldiers in Niger have cited this worsening security situation as a reason for their uprising, although Niger was handling the insurgencies far better than Mali and Burkina Faso before their own coups.

The growing unrest has led some to believe that only harsh military crackdowns can solve the problem, hence the popular support that the coup seems to enjoy in some quarters.

However, it is far from clear that a military junta would have greater success in tackling the insurgents than the recently ousted government. The takeovers in neighbouring countries have not made much difference.

Did coups in Mali and Burkina Faso halt jihadist attacks?

Adding to the instability in the region, climate change is causing desertification to spread southwards from the Sahara into the Sahel. Experts say temperatures in the Sahel are rising faster than anywhere else in the world.

What's the international reaction to the coup?

France, the former colonial power, has been stern in its condemnation of the military takeover.

A statement by the French foreign ministry said President Bazoum was the country's sole leader, adding that France "does not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch led by Gen Tchiani".

It added that France "reaffirmed in the strongest terms the clear demands of the international community calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and democratically-elected civilian government in Niger".

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, has called for the president's immediate release, while the African Union, the West African regional bloc Ecowas, the EU and the UN have all spoken out against the coup.

The only voice in favour has been that of the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has reportedly described it as a triumph.

"What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers," he was quoted as saying on a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel, although his comments have not been independently verified.

What's it got to do with Russia and Wagner?

As well as jihadist groups, the Wagner mercenaries, who are active elsewhere in the region, have been seen as exercising a malign influence in Niger. Some supporters of the coup have been seen waving the Russian flag alongside that of Niger.

caption,Supporters of the coup have been waving the Russian flag

Before the coup, President Bazoum had complained of "disinformation campaigns" by Wagner against his government - and there is little doubt that Wagner, which has exploited mineral resources in other African countries to fund its operations, would like to do the same in Niger.

The US has said there is no indication that the Wagner force was involved in the overthrow of President Bazoum, but added that the situation continues to be quite fluid.

Niger coup makes a troubled region yet more fragile

Now there are concerns that Niger's new leadership could move away from its Western allies and closer to Russia.

If it does, it would follow in the footsteps of Burkina Faso and Mali, which have both pivoted towards Moscow since their own military coups.

What other global consequences could the coup have?

President Bazoum's government has been a partner to European countries trying to stop the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to take back hundreds of migrants from detention centres in Libya.

He has also cracked down on human traffickers in what had been a key transit point between other countries in West Africa and those further north.

That may now be called into question.