In the West African nation of Niger, individuals dressed in military gear claimed to have seized power following the alleged abduction of President Mohamed Bazoum by members of the presidential guard. This abrupt political shift on Wednesday provoked international consternation and heightened the uncertainty permeating an already unstable region grappling with coups and extremist activities.
In a televised statement, a man named Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, surrounded by apparent military personnel, declared their intention to end the current regime. He cited the country’s worsening security predicament and “poor economic and social governance” as the reasons behind this drastic action.
Colonel-Major Abdramane announced the suspension of national institutions and the temporary closure of Niger’s land borders, delivering the statement from what appeared to be a prepared script on the table in front of him.
Since its liberation from French rule in 1960, Niger has witnessed numerous military coups, though political instability has lessened in recent years. The ascension of President Bazoum in 2021 marked the country’s first democratic transition of power.
Islamist insurgencies persist in much of Africa’s Sahel region, with Niger garnering support from the United States and France in its efforts to combat extremism. The region has also been rocked by a string of recent coups, notably in Niger’s neighbouring countries Mali and Burkina Faso.
Details regarding the situation within Niger remain unclear, including the exact location of President Bazoum. However, international criticism has escalated over the apparent coup attempt.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemns… the unconstitutional change of government in Niger,” and called for an immediate cessation of actions undermining Niger’s democratic principles. The detention of President Mohamed Bazoum deeply disturbs Guterres, prompting concerns for his safety and wellbeing.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also condemned the “attempt to seize power by force” in Niger. The group called on the instigators of the coup to release the democratically-elected President without delay or conditions. Similarly, White House officials voiced their condemnation of any attempt to detain or disrupt Niger’s democratically elected government.
France also denounced the unfolding events as an attempted coup. Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna expressed on X (formerly known as Twitter), “(France) strongly condemns any attempt to seize power by force and joins the calls of the African Union and ECOWAS to restore the integrity of Nigerien democratic institutions.”
The Presidential Palace was cordoned off on Wednesday, with heavily armed Presidential Guard members deployed outside the building. During the course of the day, about twenty members of the Presidential Guard could be seen stationed outside the palace complex.
In light of the tumultuous events in Niger, discussions have been initiated between the country’s Presidential Guard and government authorities. The details of these discussions, however, remain undisclosed.
Later that day, hundreds of protesters gathered in the capital, Niamey, to show their support for Bazoum. When the demonstrators came within 300 metres of the presidential palace, presidential guards fired warning shots to prevent them from getting closer.
A tweet from Niger’s presidential office stated that “spontaneous protests by democracy advocates broke out all over the (capital) city of Niamey, (around) the country and in front of Niger’s embassies abroad” following the announcement of President Bazoum’s detainment by his guard.
The US Embassy in Niger advised all to limit unnecessary movements and avoid travel along Rue de la Republique until further notice in light of reports of political instability within the capital, Niamey.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the current chair of ECOWAS, issued a statement condemning the “unpleasant developments” in Niger, promising to monitor the situation closely. He stressed that any action undermining the functioning of Niger’s democratically elected government would not be tolerated by the ECOWAS leadership or any proponents of democracy around the world.
Image Credit: ORTN/Reuters
