Heavy gunfire reported near Niger's presidential palace in Niamey

A military junta that seized power in Niger in July 2023 has now completed three years of rule, but the regime continues to grapple with a surge of jihadist violence that threatens the country’s stability and regional security. The coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, installed a council of senior officers who promised to restore order and combat extremist groups operating in the Sahel. Since taking control, the junta has faced an escalating campaign by affiliates of al‑Qaeda and the Islamic State, including the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Boko Haram, which have carried out frequent attacks on military outposts, civilian settlements and critical infrastructure.

Security officials report that the frequency of assaults has risen sharply, with dozens of incidents recorded in the past year alone, resulting in significant casualties among soldiers, local militia and civilians. The junta’s forces, stretched thin across a vast and porous border region, have struggled to contain the insurgents, prompting reliance on foreign assistance from France, the United States and regional partners. Despite occasional joint operations and the deployment of additional troops, the militants have continued to exploit gaps in surveillance and intelligence, leading to displacement of thousands of residents and disruption of agricultural activities in the north and central zones.

Analysts note that the persistent jihadist threat underscores the challenges facing Niger’s military leadership as it seeks to consolidate authority while addressing humanitarian concerns. The ongoing instability has drawn criticism from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and raised questions about the junta’s capacity to deliver security reforms. As the country approaches the fourth anniversary of the coup, the effectiveness of forthcoming counter‑terrorism strategies will be pivotal in shaping Niger’s political trajectory and its role within the broader Sahelian security framework.