In one of the most security threatened nations on planet earth, Niger becomes the latest African nation to experience a government overthrow by its military.
According to information gathered, a group of soldiers ousted the President Mohammed Bazoum, after encircling the Presidential Palace.
The military men in charge of the coup appeared on the nation’s Television, hours after they captured power and took the President into custody.
According to the leader of the coup, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, the defense and security force chose to “put an end to the regime that you know due to the deteriorating security situation and bad governance.”
Colonel Abdramane issued strong caution against any foreign interference, as he declared that the borders of the country have been temporarily closed, a nationwide lockdown, and all republican institutions would seize to function for the mean time.
After series of negotiations between the coup plotters and the President’s security, the soldiers proclaimed that, the President is “safe and well.” However, the location of the President remains unknown.
On the other hand, the larger Army and National Guard promptly objected to the presidential force’s actions and promised to assault them if they didn’t resign.
According to a presidential official, employees within the palace were denied entry to their offices, and a social media post from the office of the president implied that, the Presidential guard had attempted to gain the backing of some military personnel for its actions.
“It’s a fit of temper by the presidential guard but talks are under way with the president. The president is fine, he’s safe and sound. He and his family are at the residence.”
Presidential Source.
As response to what has happened in Niger, the White House disclosed that, United State Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has gotten in touch with the ousted Niger leader, and “conveyed the unwavering support of the United States” to him.
The White House said, “the strong US economic and security partnership with Niger depends on the continuation of democratic governance, and respect for the rule of law and human rights.”
Blinken subsequently stated that, “I spoke with President Bazoum earlier this morning, and made clear that the US resolutely supports him as Niger’s democratically elected President,” and demanded his immediate release.
“We condemn any efforts to seize power by force. We’re actively engaged with the Niger government, but also with partners in the region and around the world, and will continue to do so until the situation is resolved appropriately and peacefully.”
Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State.
The US and France have been providing training and logistical aid to Niger’s military, as both nations have their military bases in Niger.
Moreover, it is believed that, António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, has allegedly spoken with President Bazoum, and extended his “full support and solidarity.” Guterres further urged “all actors involved to exercise restraint and to protect constitutional order.”
The head of the African Union Commission, H E Moussa Faki Mahamat, denounced the “attempt at a coup.” If verified, it would mark the fifth coup effort in West Africa over the last four years.
President of the neighboring Nigeria, and Chairmain of the ECOWAS, Bola Tinubu, referred to what had happened as “unpleasant developments,” and disclosed that, he has been in “close consultation” with various regional leaders about them.
“The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of west Africa. We will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.”
Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria and Chairman of ECOWAS.
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