July 27 (UPI) — Soldiers in Niger have announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from office, raising concerns about the future of the West African nation. The soldiers, led by Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, representing the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, made the announcement during a televised address. They cited the deteriorating security situation and poor economic and social governance as reasons for their action.
“This day, July 26, 2023, we, the defense and security forces, gathered within the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, have decided to put an end to the regime that you know,” he said, reading a press release.
“We reassure the national and international community regarding respect for the physical and moral integrity of the deposed authorities in accordance with the principles of human rights.”
All land and air borders have been closed, and a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be enforced until further notice, he said.
Niger becomes the third West African country in the Sahel region to experience a coup, following neighboring Mali in 2021 and Burkina Faso twice in the past year.
The announcement came after reports that President Bazoum was being held by his presidential guard. The presidency tweeted pictures of democracy advocates protesting in the capital Niamey.
“The president of the republic and his family are doing well,” said a brief statement. “The Army and National Guard are ready to attack the elements of the GP involved in this mood swing if they do not return to better feelings.”
The international community, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, condemned the coup and called for the release of the democratically elected president.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed unwavering support for President Bazoum and Niger’s democracy, emphasizing that economic and security partnerships with the country depend on democratic governance and respect for human rights.
The situation in Niamey is still unfolding, and further updates are expected.
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