- Niger military overthrows the democratic government led by President Mohamed Bazoum.
- Niger’s Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane announces coup d’état on national television.
- This is the seventh coup in the West African region in just three years.
In Niger coup d’état, the ouster of the government of President Mohamed Bazoum might plunge the West African country’s economic wellbeing into jeopardy.
Late on Wednesday, June 26th, a group of soldiers took over the national television in Niger and announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power. Earlier, they had held the president in the presidential palace. Colonel Amadou Abdramane, surrounded by nine other officers, read a statement explaining that the defence and security forces made this decision to put an end to the existing regime, citing the deteriorating security situation and governance issues as reasons.
President held in Niger coup d’état
“The defense and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with. This follows the continuous deterioration of the security situation, the bad social and economic management,” he declared.
The group of nine or so soldiers, led by Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, identified itself as the ‘National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country.’
As matters stand, media reports say “members of Niger’s presidential guard surrounded the presidential palace and detained the president.” So far, no official resignation statement from the President. It is also unclear where he was at the time of the takeover.
However, the soldiers have claimed to be holding the President in custody at his official residence.
What is also known is that the military has closed all the country’s borders and instituted a nationwide curfew. It is also reported that all institutions of the country are suspended until further notice.
The alleged Niger coup d’état comes a day after reported demonstrations by members of the country’s elite guard unit. However, the demonstration has been described as “anti-Republican” conducted by mutinous forces.
President Mohamed Bazoum was elected president two years ago in what is described as the nation’s first peaceful and democratic transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960.
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Background on Niger
Niger is a land-locked former French colony in West Africa. Only this week, President Mohamed Bazoum’s government inked a major investment deal with China. The agreement included the construction of an industrial park that would serve to boost the country’s industrialization plans.
The Chinese deal also included a controversial uranium mining deal at a site that was previously mined by a French company and that is alleged to be radioactive.
Niger is also a key ally of the West given its strategic positioning. Niger is a major partner of the European Union in the EU’s fight against irregular migration from Sub-Saharan Africa.
While the EU has a vested interest in illegal migration, the US has military interests in Niger since it has troops on the ground and also hosts two drone bases in the country.
“The US has two drone bases in Niger. They also have about 800 troops, some of whom are understood to be special forces who have been training the Nigerian military,” Aljazeera has reported.
“Essentially, Niger is the last US ally left standing in that particular region of the world,” the report reads.
All around Niger, the neighbouring governments of Mali and Burkina Faso have all suffered military coups in recent years. Notably these countries are alleged to have expelled French soldiers and instead welcomed Russian-backed forces.
“We call for his (President Bazoum) immediate release,” the US has demanded since the coup was announced. “I spoke with President Bazoum earlier this morning and made clear that the US resolutely supports him as the democratically elected president of Niger,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters.
US, UN condemn Niger coup d’état
“We’re actively engaged with the Niger government, but also with partners in the region and around the world, and will continue to do so until the situation is resolved appropriately and peacefully,” he added but fell short of specifying what action the US and said partners in the region would take.
France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, expressed condemnation of any attempt to seize power by force. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stated this, adding support for restoring Niger’s democratic institutions. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned any effort to take power by force. The UN stands against actions that undermine democratic governance, peace, and stability in Niger.
The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called the coup ‘a threat to peace and stability.’
ECOWAS Chairman, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, said the bloc will resist any attempt to overthrow Niger’s government. Niger’s military takeover brings the total number of coups in the region to seven in just the last three years.
