Socio-Political Fragilities and Military Takeover in Niger Republic.

This article examines the socio-political fragilities that led to the July 26, 2023 military coup in the Republic of Niger, where General Omar Tchiani and the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. Anchored in William Zartman’s Failed State Theory, the study identifies entrenched vulnerabilities including escalating jihadist insurgencies, weak democratic institutions marked by legitimacy crises, economic dependency exacerbated by neo-colonial resource exploitation (notably by France in the uranium sector), and internal military discontent over foreign military presence. Despite the junta’s promises to restore security and sovereignty, findings reveal worsening security conditions, humanitarian crises, and ambiguous political transition plans, indicating that military rule has deepened Niger’s structural challenges rather than resolving them. The article recommends inclusive democratic reforms, locally-led counterterrorism strategies, renegotiation of extractive contracts, and reengagement with regional bodies to support democratic governance.