Niger soldiers have made an announcement about the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from his position.
The statement was delivered by Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane during a televised address on Wednesday night.
Abdramane, flanked by fellow soldiers, stated that they, the defense and security forces, have decided to put an end to President Bazoum’s regime.
As part of their actions, they have dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the country’s borders.
According to reports from TheCable, President Bazoum has been held hostage by troops from the presidential guard.
The presidential palace has seen a heavy military presence, with the president being denied access to his office and residence.
This incident marks the fifth coup in Niger since it gained independence from France in 1960, in addition to numerous other attempted coups.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had strongly criticized the last coup attempt in 2021, describing it as “utterly naïve, despicable, and unacceptable.”
In response to the situation in Niger, several countries, organizations, and diplomats have pledged their support. President Bola Tinubu, who chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasized that the body will not tolerate actions that undermine democracy in the region.
In light of this, ECOWAS deployed Beninese President Patrice Talon to Niger. The African Union (AU) chairperson, Moussa Mahamat, also expressed strong disapproval of the developments in the country, urging the military to immediately reverse course.
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stood firmly by President Bazoum and conveyed unwavering support for him. Furthermore, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reached out to the president, offering the UN’s full support.
