DOUALA: The Niger’s presidency has confirmed a foiled coup attempt carried out on Wednesday by elements of the Presidential Guard who sought to seize power. Access to President Mohamed Bazoum’s official residence was sealed off during the operation.
In a statement, the presidency clarified that the coup attempt was the act of certain elements of the presidential guard who failed to gain the support of the National Armed Forces and the National Guard. The attempt, described as an “anti-republican mood movement,” was thwarted by the army and the National Guard, who stood ready to take action if the situation escalated further.
https://twitter.com/PresidenceNiger/status/1684165019787984898
President Mohamed Bazoum and his family were reported to be in good health, according to the presidency. “The army and the National Guard are ready to attack the elements of the Presidential Guard involved in this mood swing if they do not return to better feelings,” the presidency said.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Niger is a member, swiftly condemned the attempt to seize power by force and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum. ECOWAS Chairman Bola Tinubu stated that the organization and its member countries are closely monitoring the situation in Niger and are committed to safeguarding democracy.
La Commission de la CEDEAO condamne la tentative de coup d’État au Niger/ ECOWAS Commission condemns the attempted coup d’Etat in Niger pic.twitter.com/0iYWCqLU18
— Ecowas – Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) July 26, 2023
EU, African Union Condemn Niger Coup Attempt
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also condemned the attempted coup, denouncing any actions that undermine the stability of democratic and republican institutions in Niger.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borell, expressed concern about the events in Niamey and Brussels’ condemnation of any attempts to destabilize Niger’s democracy and threaten its stability.
Très préoccupé par les événements en cours à #Niamey.
L’UE condamne toute tentative de déstabiliser la démocratie et menacer la stabilité du #Niger.
L’UE s’associe aux déclarations du Président du Nigeria Tinubu au nom de la @ecowas_cedeao
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 26, 2023
President Mohamed Bazoum was elected in 2021, marking Niger’s first democratic transition of power after a history of military coups since its independence from France in 1960. The country faced a previous coup attempt in March 2021, which was foiled before Bazoum’s inauguration.
Niger has a tumultuous history with coups and coup attempts, and the recent incident has raised concerns among citizens about potential further unrest. Despite these challenges, Niger continues to strive for political stability and democracy.
