President Bazoum overthrown by soldiers in Niger Republic
Soldiers in Niger have claimed to have removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power, citing the deteriorating security situation and poor social and economic management. Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, speaking on behalf of the group calling itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, made the announcement on national television.
“The defence and security forces have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with,” Colonel-Major Abdramane stated. “This follows the continuous deterioration of the security situation, the bad social and economic management.”
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Abdramane’s statement, flanked by nine other officers in fatigues, mentioned the closure of the country’s borders, the implementation of a nationwide curfew, and the suspension of all institutions of the country. The group also issued a warning against any foreign intervention.
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The exact whereabouts of President Bazoum at the time of the announcement were unclear, as earlier reports suggested he was being held at the palace by the mutinous forces engaging in an “anti-Republican demonstration.”
In response to the news, the United States swiftly called for the release of President Bazoum. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for Bazoum as the democratically elected president and urged his immediate release.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, the newly appointed chairman of the ECOWAS commission, voiced strong opposition to the attempted overthrow, emphasizing that the ECOWAS leadership and democracy advocates worldwide would not tolerate any action that incapacitates the democratically elected government of Niger.
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Neighboring Benin’s President, Patrice Talon, flew to Niger to assess the situation following a meeting with President Tinubu. Talon expressed the intention to restore constitutional order, using all necessary means if required, but strongly emphasized the importance of resolving the situation in peace and harmony.
This unexpected turn of events in Niger has left the international community concerned about the country’s stability and the future of its democratic institutions. Efforts are underway to address the situation and uphold the principles of democracy in the region.