Niamey - According to a group of soldiers who made an appearance on the national television of Niger late on Wednesday, President Mohamed Bazoum has been removed from power. This occurred shortly after the president was detained in the presidential palace. The development has triggered renewed uncertainty in a region of Africa plagued by coups and militant extremism, drawing strong criticism from the international community.
In a video communique, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, accompanied by several apparent soldiers, announced their decision to end the current regime, citing a deteriorating security situation in the country and "poor economic and social governance." National institutions have been suspended, and the country's land borders temporarily closed, as mentioned in the video.
Niger has a history of military coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. However, in recent years, it had experienced relative political stability, culminating in the first democratic transfer of power when President Bazoum assumed office in 2021.
The Sahel region of Africa, including Niger, has been grappling with Islamist insurgencies, prompting international support from countries like the United States and France to combat extremist groups. Nevertheless, the region has also witnessed a surge in coup attempts, as seen in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
Amidst the unfolding events in Niger, details remain murky, including the exact whereabouts of President Bazoum. The attempted coup has drawn swift international condemnation.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly denounced the "unconstitutional change of government in Niger" and called for an immediate end to actions that undermine democratic principles in the country. He also expressed deep concern for President Bazoum's safety and well-being.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the attempt to seize power by force and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the democratically-elected President.
White House officials joined the chorus of condemnation, strongly denouncing any attempt to detain or subvert Niger's democratically elected government. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized that the partnership between the United States and Niger is contingent on the country's commitment to democratic standards.
France, as a former colonial power and a key player in the region, also condemned the attempted power grab. Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna echoed calls from the African Union and ECOWAS to uphold Nigerien democratic institutions' integrity.
As events continue to unfold, the international community closely monitors the situation in Niger, hoping for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of democratic order. The attempted coup highlights the ongoing challenges posed by militancy and political instability in the Sahel region, and calls for concerted efforts to address these issues and support democratic governance in the affected countries.