Niger’s army command had on Thursday, July 25, proclaimed its support for a regime change carried out the previous day by soldiers of the presidential guard, who had stated that its priority was to avoid destabilising the country.
A significant number of the coup supporters had gathered in front of the National Assembly in Niamey, the capital city, playing pro-army music.
Several supporters had waved Russian flags while chanting anti-French slogans, reiterating the wave of resentment towards their former colonize, France and their influence in the Sahel region.
The army, had in a statement signed by its chief of staff, commented that it had made the decided to stick to the declaration” made by soldiers who broadcasted during a late night televised address that they had ousted President Mohamed Bazoum of power.
Earlier today, President Bazoum and Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou had encouraged democratic forces in the country to resist the power grab.
In separate remarks on Thursday, the African Union, ECOWAS and Germany has criticized the coup, calling for Bazoum’s release.
The military takeover had begun on Wednesday, when several guards blockaded the presidential palace, sealing the president inside.
Frustrations over the state’s failures to prevent attacks on towns and villages had played part in spurring two coups in Mali and two in Burkina Faso since 2020.
It is yet unclear on who would take over from Bazoum.
The presidential guard is led by General Omar Tchiani, but Colonel Abramane had read the televised statement.
Abdramane had said that defence and security forces had acted in response to the deteriorating security and bad governance.
The president of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, had yesterday, flown into Niger in an attempt to mediate on the incident after meeting with ECOWAS Chairman and Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu.
As at the time of filing this report, it is not clear if talks are still ongoing.
