Bazoum: ‘Hard-Won Democratic Gains Will Be Protected, Despite Coup’

Niger Army Pledges Allegiance To Coupists 

SOLDIERS in Niger Republic have succeeded in overthrowing President Mohammed Bazoum, as they have dissolved the country’s constitution, suspended all institutions and shut its borders.

The coupists, led by Col-Major Amadou Abdramane, made the announcement late on Wednesday, July 27 on national television, making Niger the sixth West African country  to experience a coup since August 2020.

In the broadcast, Abdramane, flanked by nine fellow soldiers, said: “The defence 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 warned against any foreign intervention, just as he assured that they would respect Bazoum’s well-being.

The soldiers’ action was earlier in the day reported as an attempted coup when presidential guards blocked the Presidential Palace, with Bazoum, his family members and minister of Interior believed to be held.

Heavy military presence was reported in the palace, while the President was denied access to his office and residence.

Meanwhile, Bazoum has said “hard-won gains” in establishing democracy in the country would be protected, hours after his ouster.

Bazoum said early on Thursday on the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, said:  “The hard-won gains will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this.”

His Foreign Minister, Hassoumi Massoudou, also posted on X, calling on “all democrats and patriots” to make this “perilous adventure” fail.

But the country’s army has declared allegiance to the coupists, according to a statement signed by the Army chief of staff, Abdou Sidikou Issa, saying in Thursday’s statement posted on X that the decision was necessary to “avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces.”

  World leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, who is Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), had condemned the coup, warning that the body will not tolerate acts that undermine democracy in the region.

Similarly, the United States (US), France, United Nations (UN) and African Union also condemned the coup, calling for a return to status quo.

There was also protests in the country against the coup, its fifth, in addition to numerous other attempts since it gained independence from France in 1960.

  ECOWAS dispatched President Patrice Talon of Benin to Niger to mediate in the crisis after his brief meeting with Tinubu in Abuja. It was still unclear at press time if Talon had met the coup leaders or Bazoum before the announcement.

  The Army had tried to seize the presidential palace days before Bazoum was sworn in in 2021, which then President Muhammadu Buhari described as “utterly naïve, despicable and unacceptable.”

  Following that development, many countries, organisations and diplomats pledged support for Niger.