Reports indicate a coup attempt in Niger, President Mohamed Bazoum currently being held
President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger has been seized by the presidential guards in what is being reported as a coup attempt. Along with the President’s residence, key ministries have also been blockaded by the guards. Despite the situation, no gunfire has been reported.
The African Union has condemned these events, considering them “unacceptable.” The President’s office tweeted that the guards attempted to gain support from the military for their “anti-republican” actions, which were ultimately unsuccessful.
Former President Mohammed Issoufou and other past leaders were reportedly involved in talks to prevent the situation from escalating, but it remains unclear if these discussions are still ongoing. An unnamed source referred to the guards’ actions as a “fit of temper.”
The President’s office stated that the guards have been given an ultimatum by the army, and forces loyal to President Bazoum are stationed around the presidential palace and the national broadcaster.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) described the events in Niger as an “attempted coup” and strongly condemned the use of force to seize power. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, also expressed condemnation of the unrest.
Niger is currently facing two Islamist insurgencies, one in the southwest that spilled over from Mali in 2015, and another in the southeast involving jihadists from northeastern Nigeria. These ongoing militant activities pose significant challenges for the country.
Unlike some neighboring countries that have experienced coups triggered by jihadist uprisings, President Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021, has been a close ally of France and other Western nations.
Niger has a history of political instability, with four coups and several attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. The last coup occurred in February 2010 when President Mamadou Tandja was overthrown.
Source – bbc.co.uk
