By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 18, 2023 – U.S. Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken has expressed “best wishes” to the people of the West African nation of Niger, currently in the throes of political unrest, as they commemorate Republic Day.
In a statement released today, Secretary of State Blinken said: “On behalf of the United States of America and the American people, I congratulate the people of Niger as they celebrate Republic Day.
The United States of America stands with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability. We recognize the challenges Niger faces and hope to renew our partnership to reinforce democratic principles, promote inclusive economic growth, and bolster security.
Best wishes to the people of Niger as you commemorate Republic Day.”
Prior to the current political unrest, the former French colony enjoyed its longest democratic rule since independence, although there had been constant threats of coups. On July 28, however, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, declared himself head of state after the military seized power.
At an emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on July 30, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanded the “immediate release and reinstatement” of Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who had been held by the military since July. 19.
ECOWAS gave the military in Niger a one-week ultimatum to comply and warned it would take all measures necessary – including force – to restore constitutional order.
That deadline was totally ignored as the military leaders issued strong warnings against any regional and foreign interventions. The stalemate is ongoing.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Republic Day of Niger, which is celebrated every year on December 18, is a national holiday observed in Niger to commemorate the creation of the Republic, alongside the establishment of the office of the Presidency. Before this, Niger was under French rule. Though December 18 is not the Republic’s official Independence Day, it marks the founding of its national institutions.
Niger was colonized by France, which began its occupation in the 1890s. Though they gained independence in 1960, December 18, 1958, marks the significant day that Niger became a republic. Before this, Niger had become an autonomous, self-governing nation on December 4. This happened as a result of the constitutional changes brought about by the establishment of the Fifth French Republic.
On December 18, Hamani Diori also became president of the provisional government. He was later appointed as president when Niger became fully independent in 1960. However, Republic Day wasn’t declared an official holiday until 2005. Niger’s current leaders are President Mohamed Bazoum and Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou.
Named after the Niger River, which flows through the southwestern region of the country, Niger is located in West Africa. It shares borders with seven countries, namely: Algeria in the northwest; Libya in the northeast; Chad in the east; Nigeria and Benin in the south, and Burkina Faso and Mali in the west.
The country has a population of approximately 23 million people, most of whom live in the south, as the north is almost totally covered by desert, the Nigerian Sahara. The major ethnic groups are the Hausa and the Djerma-Songhai, with Islam being the main religion.
On December 18, various celebrations are held within Niger, ranging from festivals to political speeches to military parades and parties.
