General Abdourahmane Tchiani has called on all Nigeriens to render their support to the new military administration, as they prepare to put the country back on track.
The General’s call came two days after military personnel ousted the country’s democratically elected leader, President Mohammed Bazoum.
Addressing the public, Gen. Tchiani was recognized by the state media as the commander of the National Council for the Safeguarding of Niger, thus a group of military men, dubbed as the perpetrators of the coup.
According to Tchiani, the purpose of the takeover was to alter the direction of the country, in order to prevent “the gradual and inevitable demise” of Niger.
“I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges.”
General Abdourahmane Tchiani.
The coup has sparked unrest that could possibly undermine the nation’s pursuit against Islamic insurgencies. However, it seems to have also strengthened the might of Russia in the West African region.
As Moscow continued to gain foothold on the continent, Niger stood as the final ally of the West, in their offensive against Jihadists affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State group.
However, as the odds continued to go against the West, several hundred of people assembled in the Capital city, Niamey, calling for the intervention of the Moscow-backed Wagner Private Security Company. The crowd further set cars on fire and attacked the party headquarter of the President’s political party.
“We are tired of being targeted by the men in the bush, done with the French people. We’re going to collaborate with Russia now,” he said.
According to expert and other Western Military officials, there have been power struggles between factions within the military hierarchy of Niger. Though tensions have not settled after the takeover, Tchiani has always made efforts to demonstrate his leadership qualities by appearing in Public.
Other intelligence gathered from the Niger revealed that, the coup makers have been discussing who should be in command of the Army. It further concluded that, the situation remains heated and that there is the possibility for a conflict to erupt among the factions.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has denounced the coup, describing it as “completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger, and the entire region.”
Macron averred that, he has gotten in touch with Niger’s ousted leader, Mohammed Bazoum, and understood that, he is in good condition.
Moreover, French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna opined that, there is enough time to call a quit to the purported coup. Addressing the French media, she said, “If you are hearing me speak of an attempted coup, that’s because we do not regard things as definitive,”
Colonna further expounded on the “possible exits if those responsible for this attempt hear the message from the international community.”
About 1,500 French soldiers have been stationed in Niger, which jointly patrol with Niger’s soldiers. France administered Niger as a colony from 1898 to 1960.
The Economic Community of West African States announced that, it would send Benin President, Patrice Talon to head negotiation efforts, but as of Friday, Talon had not entered the country.
In the mean time, the coup makers have requested that, “external partners” refrain from interfering in their first speech to the country.
