From promises to persistent challenges

On July 26, 2023, General Abdourahamane Tiani justified his seizure of power in Niger by pledging to restore national sovereignty, eradicate terrorism, and reduce foreign influence over the country’s affairs. This narrative, amplified by state-aligned media and pro-sovereignty movements, resonated with many citizens weary of chronic insecurity and economic hardship. Yet, three years later, the gap between these lofty commitments and ground-level realities has sparked growing disillusionment.

The sovereignist rhetoric as a political tool

The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), which assumed control after the coup, has built its legitimacy on a stark dichotomy: a patriotic regime pitted against foreign actors accused of undermining Niger’s interests for decades. This framing offers multiple advantages for the junta. It fosters national unity, deflects internal criticism by labeling opponents as agents of foreign interests, and shifts focus away from evaluating governance performance.

However, sovereignty extends beyond severing diplomatic ties or expelling foreign forces. It encompasses the state’s ability to ensure citizen safety, uphold institutional integrity, protect fundamental freedoms, and improve living standards. On these fronts, tangible progress remains elusive, fueling public skepticism.

The exploitation of public frustration

The junta has skillfully tapped into deep-seated grievances over insecurity, unemployment, inequality, and soaring living costs. The coup was framed as a historic rupture, promising relief from years of perceived neglect. Yet, over time, official communication has prioritized sustaining patriotic mobilization over delivering verifiable results. Political announcements, pro-regime rallies, and denunciations of external conspiracies dominate headlines, while scrutiny of government policies remains limited.

This shift has transformed political discourse. Accountability for governance is increasingly overshadowed by loyalty or opposition to the regime, undermining the culture of checks and balances essential for democratic or even effective governance.

Security: the unmet promise

The junta’s most potent argument for seizing power was the pledge to restore security, a crisis that had plagued Niger for years. Yet, large swathes of the country continue to endure armed attacks, mass displacements, and pervasive insecurity. Civilians bear the brunt, with economic activities, access to social services, and community cohesion all suffering.

While the Nigerien military conducts operations across multiple fronts, repeated assaults on military positions and villages underscore the resilience of armed groups. These challenges highlight the complexity of a conflict that cannot be resolved solely through regime change or shifting international alliances. The absence of transparent, publicly available progress indicators further fuels doubts about the current security strategy’s effectiveness.

Blame-shifting and diplomatic tensions

Faced with mounting difficulties, the regime frequently attributes national crises to external forces. Sanctions from regional blocs, former Western partners, neighboring states, or foreign networks are routinely cited as primary causes of Niger’s struggles. While regional tensions and geopolitical rivalries undeniably shape the Sahel’s security landscape, they do not fully account for the country’s internal challenges.

Relying on this narrative risks turning every domestic issue into a diplomatic confrontation, sidelining critical discussions on national responsibility, institutional reforms, and governance improvements. Over time, such an approach may erode the capacity for self-criticism and systemic correction within Niger’s institutions.

An economy under strain

The economic dividends promised by the coup have yet to materialize. Regional sanctions, reduced investment, trade disruptions, and political uncertainty have battered key sectors. Households grapple with rising living costs, scarce essential goods, and limited job prospects. For many, the tangible benefits of political change remain elusive.

True economic sovereignty often touted in official speeches requires sustainable improvements in domestic production, infrastructure, public finances, and the business environment. These are long-term challenges demanding consistent, strategic policies, not short-term political maneuvers.

Shrinking civic space

Observers also warn of a steady erosion of public freedoms. Criticism of the regime is increasingly met with scrutiny, while journalists, civil society actors, and opposition figures operate in an environment of heightened state vigilance. In many military-led systems, the concentration of power often coincides with the gradual sidelining of institutional checks and balances. Niger now faces a similar dilemma: how can national unity be preserved amid security threats without sacrificing the pluralism essential for responsible governance?

The lack of a clear political transition timeline further fuels uncertainty about the junta’s long-term intentions and the prospects for a return to constitutional order.

Patriotism vs. tangible results

Patriotism can be a powerful unifying force, but it cannot indefinitely substitute for the deliverables Nigeriens demand. Sovereignty is not merely proclaimed in speeches; it is built through robust institutions, resilient economies, credible justice systems, effective security, and transparent governance.

Recent Sahelian experiences demonstrate that no regime civilian or military can sustain legitimacy solely by vilifying external actors. As time passes, citizens evaluate leaders not by their rhetoric but by their ability to tangibly improve daily life. For General Abdourahamane Tiani and the CNSP, the true test ahead is no longer convincing Nigeriens of their sovereignty, but proving that this sovereignty translates into meaningful progress in security, development, justice, and freedoms. Without concrete outcomes, anti-imperialist rhetoric risks being exposed as a political tool rather than a transformative national project.