Colonialism and the Niger Coup

 

The military leaders of Niger can count on Nigeriens’ support thanks to anti-colonial sentiment — but for how long?

History Illustrated is a weekly series of insightful perspectives that puts news events and current affairs into historical context using graphics generated with artificial intelligence.

French colonialism in Niger got off to a notorious start with a brutal military campaign to expand France’s control of West Africa in 1899.

Over the years, several uprisings took aim at French control, including a Tuareg rebellion in 1916.

But it wasn’t until August 3, 1960, that Niger finally gained independence.

Since 1960, grinding poverty and political instability have been the backdrop to five coups, including the latest by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.