The National Salvation Council ruling Niger has been recognized as legitimate only by neighbors and allies in the AES – Mali and Burkina Faso. In these countries, the military came to power in 2020–2021 and 2022, respectively. The coup in Niger took place on July 27, 2023, and President Mohammed Bazum was placed under house arrest. The new leader became the head of the presidential guard, Abdurahman Tchiani. On August 10, the military council formed a civilian government. Niger’s neighbors in July – August prepared for intervention within the framework of the ECOWAS economic union to return Bazum to power. The Kremlin condemned external intervention. The African Union, Washington, and Paris supported the idea of intervention, but it did not take place. ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions and a blockade. The EU, France, and the USA stopped financial aid to Niger.