Despite President Mohamed Bazoum’s stubborn position and the world’s criticism of the coup, the Niger army has pledged its support to the defense and security forces that ousted him. Army Chief of Staff Abdou Sidikou Issa stated that the decision was required to “avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces” in a statement published on X, the website that was formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.
Bazoum was taken into custody early on Wednesday by members of the Presidential Guard in the capital city of Niamey. A spokeswoman for a group calling itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, claimed in a statement that “the defence and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with” in a statement that was later broadcast on national television. He continued, “This comes in response to the ongoing deterioration of the security situation, as well as the poor social and economic management.
The soldier declared that a nationwide curfew was in effect and that all external borders of the nation had been sealed. Abdramane stated that all national institutions had also been suspended. Nine more uniformed officers flanked him as he read out his statement while he was seated and reading. Following the army’s declaration of loyalty to the group on Thursday, the colonel made a public announcement on national television that all political party activities in Niger have been put on hold until further notice.
On Thursday, the mutineers claimed that France had defied their instructions to seal off the country’s frontiers by landing a military aircraft. In a statement, Abdramane demanded “once and for all that measures (taken by the coup plotters) be strictly upheld” and claimed that “the French partner bypassed (the decision) on closing land and air borders in order to land an A401-type military aircraft at Niamey international airport this morning at 6:30 am.”
🛑🛑🛑#COMMUNIQUE de l’Etat-Major des Armées. pic.twitter.com/X2nPIeq4ds
— Forces Armées Nigériennes (@ArmeesNiger) July 27, 2023
Issa’s declaration, which has been dubbed a “coup belt,” came after the President of Niger had on Wednesday issued a warning that the army was prepared to strike the rebellious presidential guards if they did not submit. The presidency claimed in a statement on platform X that the guards were participating in a “anti-Republican demonstration” and had tried “in vain” to enlist the assistance of other security services. The fifth successful coup to occur in West Africa since 2020 has drawn condemnation from all across the world. On Thursday, Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, pleaded with Bazoum’s kidnappers to free him “immediately and unconditionally.”
Concerns about democracy have been raised in what is sometimes referred to as the “coup belt” due to two coups each in Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as reported attempts in Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia. In March 2021, a military unit attempted to seize the presidential palace days before Bazoum, who had just been elected, was scheduled to be sworn in. This attempt at a coup was stopped.
France has been using Niger as the focal point for its operations against armed groups operating in the area. Niger has long been seen as an oasis of tranquillity in the Sahel. Burkina Faso and Mali, two former colonies of Paris, are at odds with one another and have turned to the Russian mercenary outfit Wagner for assistance.
