Niger’s army command backs coup — statement
The command also called on the army to focus on accomplishing tasks in the fight against terrorism and organized crime
Niger’s army command on Thursday declared its support for Presidential Guard soldiers who claimed on the previous day to have overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, according to a statement posted on Twitter.
The army command tweeted that it had decided to support the military group’s statement as it warned against external interference saying that it may cause catastrophic consequences and chaos to the country.
The command also called on the army to focus on accomplishing tasks in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
Earlier, mutinous Nigerien military personnel announced that President Bazoum had been removed from power and that the landlocked West African country’s borders had been closed. In a statement aired by the country’s national television, they gave guarantees of personal immunity to officials of the deposed president’s government.
As well, the military rebels announced a national curfew from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. , with the work of all public institutions in the country suspended.
Several hundred people also gathered in front of the parliament building in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in support of the rebels and against France’s presence in the country, the TV5 Monde channel reported.
“Down with France! France, please leave us alone!” one of the demonstrators chanted, according to a video published on Twitter by a TV5 Monde correspondent.
Niger’s capital is home to the largest French air base in this part of Africa. Military units from France, Germany, Italy and the US are also now in the country. Their numbers have not been disclosed.
At the end of the video, the slogan “Long live Russia!” can be heard from a female demonstrator standing nearby. The correspondent confirms that those who gathered in front of the parliament are in favor of the withdrawal of French troops from Niger and expect Russia’s intervention to stabilize the situation in the country.
Earlier, France 24 reported that demonstrations in support of President Mohamed Bazoum were taking place in the capital of Niger. According to the channel, this reaction shows the population’s commitment to democratically elected institutions.
Coup d’etat
On the evening of July 26, the rebels announced the dismissal of Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, the closure of the country’s borders and the suspension of the constitution. They also formed the National Council for the Salvation of the Homeland, which assumed full power. In a statement broadcast on national television, they guaranteed the physical integrity of the ousted authorities.
