Niger: Leaders from the United States, France, and the United Nations have condemned the military takeover in the West African country of Niger. The President of Niger, Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, has been reportedly seized by troops from the presidential guard since early on 26th July 2023.
The soldiers announced a coup on National TV, saying they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the nation’s borders. The military also claimed that they’d removed the President from power because of bad governance and the “deterioration of the security situation.”
It was unclear where Mr. Bazoum was at the time the soldiers announced the takeover or if he had resigned, as per the statement.
According to a spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the “unconstitutional change in government” in Niger and was “deeply disturbed” by the detention of Bazoum by members of his presidential guard.
“Strongly condemns any attempt to seize power by force and joins the calls of the African Union and ECOWAS to restore the integrity of Nigerien democratic institutions,” French Foreign Minister Ms. Catherine Colonna said on X.
I spoke with President Bazoum earlier this morning and made clear that the United States resolutely supports him as the democratically elected president of Niger. We call for his immediate release.
The US Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken, stated.
“We’re actively engaged with the Niger government, but also with partners in the region and around the world, and will continue to do so until the situation is resolved appropriately and peacefully,” Mr. Blinken added.