Niger woke up to a country divided on Thursday as mutinous soldiers claimed to have overthrown the president. However, the government vehemently rejects their rule and has called on the population to reject it as well.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassoumi Massoudou stated in an interview with news network France 24 that they cannot accept the attempted coup. He urged all Nigerien democratic patriots to unite against this divisive action, which could set the country back and hinder progress. The government also demanded the unconditional release of the president and confirmed that talks were ongoing.
President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected in 2021 in Niger’s first peaceful and democratic transfer of power, has faced threats to his leadership before. Any instability in his leadership undermines the efforts of Western nations to stabilize the Sahel region, which has been plagued by coups in recent years. Mali and Burkina Faso, both neighboring countries, have experienced four coups since 2020 and are currently grappling with extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State.
The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Niger in March, aiming to strengthen ties with a country that has faced attacks by extremists but still maintains a relatively stable security situation compared to its neighbors.
The mutinous soldiers, who identify themselves as the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, took control of state television to announce their seizure of power. They justified their actions by citing the deteriorating security, economic, and social governance in the country. They declared the suspension of all institutions and called on external partners not to interfere. Analysts believe that the coup was sparked by General Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard, who the president was planning to remove from his position.
Unnamed sources close to the president assured that he has not and will not resign, and that he is safe in his residence. President Bazoum took to Twitter to reassure the population that their hard-won achievements will be protected and that all Nigeriens who value democracy and freedom will ensure it.
While the level of support for the coup leaders from the rest of the security forces remains unclear, President Bazoum enjoys significant support among the population and political parties. A coalition of Nigerien political groups condemned the situation as “suicidal and anti-republican madness” in a statement.
Mediation efforts will be led by Benin President Patrice Talon, who heads the Economic Community of West African States.
In a previous interview, President Bazoum acknowledged the possibility of a coup when armies fail to secure a nation against extremists, but he expressed confidence in Niger’s ability to manage its own situation.
Niger was seen as the last hope for partnership in the region by many Western countries. Anti-French sentiment led to a shift from French forces to the Russian mercenary group called Wagner, founded by businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin. There are concerns that a potential new regime in Niger could follow the path of Mali and Burkina Faso, leading to further destabilization.
The international community has strongly condemned the coup. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna expressed concern and condemned any attempt to seize power by force. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, reaffirmed their full support of President Bazoum and emphasized Niger’s importance as an essential partner in the Sahel.
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