Niger's democracy at stake: Defiant President Bazoum vows to safeguard democratic progress amidst coup
Mohamed Bazoum
Niger's President, Mohamed Bazoum on Thursday, took a defiant stand on social media, vowing to protect the "hard-won" democratic gains just a day after being toppled in a military coup.
The country's Foreign Minister, Hassoumi Massoudou, also joined in the defiance, calling on "all democrats and patriots" to stand against the coup.
Vive la démocratie, vive le Niger
Taking to Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, the defiant Bazoum wrote, "The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigerians who love democracy and freedom will see to it."
"Acting head of government, I appeal to all democrats, to all patriots, to defeat this adventure which carries all the dangers for our country. Long live democracy, long live Niger," wrote Massoudou.
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The coup
These statements come after a dramatic turn of eventsunfolded on Wednesday.
In a late-night broadcast on national television, soldiers announced the removal of President Bazoum from power and the suspension of all institutions of the republic.
Earlier in the day, members of the presidential guard had barricaded the presidential palace in the capital city, Niamey, effectively confining President Bazoum within its walls. This move further exacerbated concerns about the country's stability.
Speaking to France 24, Massoudou revealed that Bazoum remained held inside the palace as of Thursday (July 27th) morning, with his exact whereabouts unknown.
A nationwide curfew has been imposed by the military and borders have been closed, plunging Niamey into an eerie calm on Thursday morning.
Bazoum's supporters had initially gathered to express their opposition to the change of power, but they were quickly dispersed as events escalated.
Who is behind the coup?
As per Reuters, the identity of the individuals behind the coup remains unclear.
While the presidential guard is led by General Omar Tchiani, it was a member of the air force, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, who delivered the televised statement on behalf of the defence and security forces.
Abdramane, who was accompanied by nine officers dressed in their fatigues, stated that their actions were in response to deteriorating security and governance in the country.
Also read |Niger coup: President Bazoum remains detained as world leaders slam army's 'illegitimate authority'
Niger, a former French colony, and several other West African nations have been grappling with jihadist militant groups that have launched violent insurgencies across the region in the past decade.The frustration over the state's failure to curb these attacks has fuelled political instability, resulting in a series of coups in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso since 2020.
Thiscoup marks the seventh in West and Central Africa since 2020, underscoring the fragility of democracy in the region. The situation had sparked regional and international concern, considering Niger's pivotal role as a Western ally in combating insurgency in the Sahel region.
For Western powers aiding in the fight against jihadists, Niger's role has become increasingly critical, especially as relations with military governments in Burkina Faso and Mali have soured, leading to foreign troop withdrawals.
