Niger's Foreign Minister Urges President's Release Following Mutinous Soldiers' Coup Declaration
Niger's Foreign Minister made an appeal on Thursday for the mutinous soldiers to release the president, a day after members of the presidential guard proclaimed that they had taken control of the country in a coup amid the worsening security situation in West Africa.
While residents of the capital city, Niamey, continued with their daily activities, the true authority of the nation remained uncertain, and it was unclear which side garnered the majority support. A statement posted on the army command's social media account expressed backing for the coup as a measure to avoid a potentially "bloody confrontation" that could lead to a "massacre." Nevertheless, the authenticity of the statement could not be verified.
President Mohamed Bazoum received considerable support from various political parties despite being held at his residence, managing to defiantly tweet a message on Thursday. Many political groups denounced the coup attempt, labeling it as "suicidal and anti-republican madness."
Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou, in an interview with news network France 24, acknowledged the attempted coup and firmly stated, "We cannot accept it." He called upon all democratic patriots in Niger to unite against this divisive action that would hinder the nation's progress and setback decades of development.
The minister further demanded the unconditional release of the president and revealed that talks were ongoing. Benin's President Patrice Talon, who leads the Economic Community of West African States, is expected to mediate in the situation.
President Bazoum's election in 2021 marked Niger's first peaceful and democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France. He is a crucial ally in the West's efforts to combat jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State in the Sahel region of Africa. While extremist attacks have occurred in Niger, the overall security situation has not been as dire as in neighboring countries.
The fight against extremism in the region has turned into a major arena of competition between the West and Russia for influence. Bazoum was viewed as the last hope for a partnership with the West in the Sahel, as Mali turned away from its former colonial power, France, and sought support from the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which has been gaining influence in Burkina Faso as well.
Western nations have been providing aid to Niger, and high-level officials like U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the country to strengthen ties. American, French, and Italian troops currently train Nigerien soldiers, while France also conducts joint operations.
The threat to Bazoum has raised concerns that Niger might also shift away from Western support. Recently, hundreds of people in Niamey gathered to express support for Wagner while waving Russian flags, while a day earlier, protesters showed support for Bazoum.
Underlining the significance of Niger to the West, Blinken stated that he had spoken with President Bazoum and asserted the U.S. government's strong support for him as the democratically elected leader of the country. Blinken condemned the mutiny and maintained close contact with officials in France and Africa.
On Wednesday morning, members of the presidential guard surrounded Bazoum's residence and detained him. The mutinous soldiers, identifying themselves as the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, took control of state television and announced the seizure, citing deteriorating security and poor governance as the reasons. They claimed to have dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the borders.
According to anonymous sources close to the president, he has not resigned and remains safe in his residence. Bazoum tweeted in the early hours of Thursday, reassuring that the hard-won achievements would be safeguarded and that all Nigerians who cherish democracy and freedom would ensure it.
Various Nigerien political groups released a joint statement on Wednesday emphasizing that the country, facing insecurity, terrorism, and underdevelopment challenges, cannot afford to be distracted.
The international community strongly condemned the coup on Thursday. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna expressed concern about the events in Niger and pledged close monitoring. France firmly condemned any attempt to seize power by force.
Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, described Niger as an essential partner for the EU in the Sahel and emphasized that the destabilization of the region would not serve anyone's interests. He reaffirmed the EU's full support for President Bazoum.
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source: apnews.com
