Niger’s Army Backs, Pledges Allegiance To Coup Makers

In a surprising twist, Niger’s army has backed the defence and security forces that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum despite his defiant stance.

Army Chief of Staff, Abdou Sidikou Issa in a statement on Thursday, said the decision was necessary to “avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces”.

Recall that members of the Presidential Guard had detained President Bazoum inside his palace in the capital, Niamey, early on Wednesday.

The military, through its Spokesman, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, on Wednesday night, announced on state television that it had overthrown the government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

He 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 added.

The military junta quickly announced the immediate closure of the country’s borders and a nationwide curfew that was imposed indefinitely.

All institutions of the country were also suspended, Abdramane added.

On Thursday, the colonel announced on national TV that all activities by political parties in Niger have been suspended until further notice after the army declared its allegiance to the group.

The mutineers accused France on Thursday of landing a military plane in defiance of their orders to close the country’s borders.

“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,” Abdramane said in a statement, demanding “once and for all that measures (taken by the coup plotters) be strictly upheld.”

Issa’s statement came hours after Niger’s presidency had warned on Wednesday that the army was ready to attack the rebelling presidential guards if they did not back down.

In a statement, the presidency said the guards were engaged in an “anti-Republican demonstration” and had tried “in vain” to obtain the support of other security forces.

Niger’s coup is the fifth successful coup in West Africa since 2020.

The coup has sparked global condemnation including the United Nations (UN).

Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily reported that the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) through its Chairman, Bola Tinubu said attempt by the military to seize power was unacceptable. He then sent a delegation to the country, which is Nigeria’s neighbour to the north.