NIAMEY — Presidential guards have been holding Niger President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace within the capital Niamey on Wednesday in what neighboring nations referred to as an tried coup, however which the presidency described as an “anti-republican” motion “in vain.”
West Africa’s principal regional and financial bloc ECOWAS stated it was involved about an tried coup d’etat and referred to as on the plotters to free Bazoum. The African Union additionally condemned what it referred to as a coup try and urged the “felon” troopers concerned to return to barracks instantly.
The nationwide military was able to assault the guards if they didn’t come to their senses, the presidency stated in an announcement.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned any effort to grab energy by drive in Niger and referred to as on all actors to train restraint. The United States, France and EU additionally condemned the ability seize.
The presidency’s assertion adopted experiences that presidential guards had lower entry to the palace and blocked Bazoum inside, elevating concern West Africa’s seventh coup since 2020 might be below means.
“The President of the Republic and his family are well,” the presidency stated on social media at 11:30 native time (1130 GMT) with out offering additional particulars.
Another publish which stated the presidential guards had began a motion “in vain” was later deleted amid doubts about who was in management. Soldiers had taken management of all roads resulting in the nationwide tv station.
An adviser to the presidency, talking on situation of anonymity, informed Reuters round 1400 GMT that negotiations have been below means between Bazoum’s camp and the leaders of the presidential guard. Reuters was unable to corroborate this info.
The remainder of Niamey appeared calm, with regular site visitors on the highway and full web entry, a Reuters reporter stated.
A army takeover within the former French colony may additional complicate Western efforts to assist nations within the Sahel area combat a jihadist insurgency that has unfold from Mali over the previous decade.
Land-locked Niger has grow to be a pivotal ally for Western powers looking for to assist combat the insurgency however going through rising acrimony from the brand new juntas in cost in Mali and Burkina Faso. It can be a key ally of the European Union within the combat towards irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa.
“The EU condemns any attempt to destabilize democracy and threaten the stability of Niger,” EU overseas coverage chief Josep Borrell stated in a publish.
France additionally condemned any try and seize energy and suggested French residents in Niamey to behave with vigilance. The United States stated it was deeply involved by developments.
France moved troops to Niger from Mali final yr after its relations with interim authorities there soured. It can be withdrawing particular forces from Burkina Faso resulting from comparable tensions.
Instability
The United States says it has spent round $500 million since 2012 to assist Niger increase its safety. Germany introduced in April that it will participate in a three-year European army mission geared toward enhancing the nation’s army.
“Bazoum has been the West’s only hope in the Sahel region. France, the US and the EU have spent much of their resources in the region to bolster Niger and its security forces,” stated Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program for Germany’s Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung think-tank.
He added {that a} coup would create a chance for Russia and different actors to unfold their affect in Niger.
Frustrations over state failures to stop violent assaults on cities and villages partly spurred two coups in Mali and two in Burkina Faso since 2020.
A junta additionally snatched energy in Guinea in 2021, contributing to instability in a area that had begun to shed its popularity as a “coup belt.”
There was a thwarted coup try in Niger in March 2021, when a army unit tried to grab the presidential palace days earlier than the just lately elected Bazoum was resulting from be sworn in.
On Wednesday morning, army automobiles barred entry to the presidential palace in Niamey. Security sources later confirmed that presidential guards have been blocking Bazoum contained in the constructing.
Bazoum’s election was the primary democratic transition of energy in a state that has witnessed 4 army coups since independence from France in 1960.
Military motion and group engagement have spared Niger from the brunt of the insurgency, which has killed hundreds and displaced over six million throughout the Sahel. — Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
