WASHINGTON: The US on Wednesday demanded the release of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum after he was arrested by his guards during an apparent military coup attempt.
In a statement the White House said, ” Washington is deeply concerned regarding today’s developments in Niger,”. “We unambiguously ask elements of the presidential guard to free President Bazoum from detention and refrain from violence.”
The UN chief also condemned efforts to seize power by force in an apparent coup attempt in the African country. The UN chief Antonio Guterres denounced “in the strongest terms any attempt to seize power by force to undermine democratic governance, stability, and peace,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric added.
A close partner of France, President Bazoum was elected in 2021, taking the helm of a country mired in poverty and hampered by a history of chronic uncertainty.
Niger’s Presidency Confirms Coup Attempt
Earlier, Niger’s presidency 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.
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.
