The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned an “attempted coup d’etat” in Niger after President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by members of the presidential guard. According to sources close to the president, certain members of the military sought to undermine the stability of democratic and republican institutions in the country.
AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat posted on social media, denouncing the soldiers’ actions as a total betrayal of their republican duty. The West African bloc ECOWAS has also condemned the attempted coup and called for the immediate release of President Bazoum without conditions.
On Wednesday morning, members of the presidential guard sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices. Despite attempts at negotiation, they refused to release President Bazoum, leading to heightened tension and concern over the country’s political stability. Both the AU and ECOWAS are calling for an end to the unacceptable actions and a return to the barracks, urging the plotters to release the detained president immediately.
President Mohamed Bazoum, a close ally of France, was elected in 2021 to lead Niger, a nation grappling with poverty and a history of chronic instability. The situation is being closely monitored by regional and international bodies to ensure the safety and security of Niger’s democratic institutions and its citizens.