Niger was once regarded as an ally of the West but after the coup which occurred in July 2023, leading to the removal of former President Mohammed Bazoom from power, everything changed. The West in conjunction with the regional bloc, ECOWAS went ahead to condemn the coup and imposed stringent economic sanctions on Niger thinking that it would compel the military authorities to reinstate the deposed President. However, despite the stringent sanctions which put pressure on the economy, the military junta of Niger stood his ground and refused to heed the dictates of the West, which viewed democracy as a tool to further its interests. And, according to a former minister of Niger, one of the reasons why General Tiani was able to stand his ground and resist Western sanctions, was that China supported Niger. China, with its non-interference policy, an attribute that has made it a preferred choice of partner in recent times, continued to invest in Niger even after the coup.
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