In a dramatic turn of events, Niger’s elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was overthrown and detained by a group of individuals. Shortly after the coup, the group appointed an army general, Abdourahamane Tchiani, as the new leader of the country. This move sparked protests among the people, who came out to voice their opposition to the toppling of their representative.
France, the country’s former colonizer, issued a plea to the group, urging them to let Bazoum continue his presidency and pay attention to international calls. However, General Tchiani, who had been leading the Presidential Guard for a decade, declared himself the “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland” in a statement broadcast on national TV. The coup was presented as a response to the deteriorating security situation, marked by violence carried out by terrorists.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup in Niger’s capital, Niamey, and expressed concern over its potential impact on the entire region. Western powers are now working to preserve their alliance with the insurgency-hit area.
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Macron stated, “This coup is completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger, and for the whole region,” emphasizing the importance of releasing Bazoum. General Tchiani criticized Bazoum’s security approach, claiming that despite significant sacrifices, it had failed to bring security to the country, resulting in death, displacement, humiliation, and frustration.
Since Wednesday morning, Bazoum and his family have been confined to their residence at the presidential palace, situated within the military camp of the Presidential Guard. Fortunately, Bazoum is reported to be in good health and has been able to communicate with other heads of state, including Macron, via telephone.
