President Mohamed Bazoum sent a message from his detention at the presidential palace in Niamey, he vowed that citizens who believe in freedom and democracy will protect the hard-won democratic gains. In a significant move, the country’s Foreign Minister, Hassoumi Massaoudou, declared himself interim president, asserting that the legally elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, is still in power.
Minister Massaoudou assured that Bazoum is in good health and stated that the coup attempt will fail, facing rejection from democratic forces in the country. He urged the dissident officers to cease their actions and emphasized that the republican and democratic systems must prevail throughout Niger. The situation in Niamey remains uncertain, with the military group announcing the suspension of institutions and closing of the country’s borders.
Internationally, condemnation poured in from the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and the United States, calling for President Bazoum’s immediate release and an end to the coup.
African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki described the events in Niger as an attempted coup that threatens the country’s democratic institutions. The international community rallied behind President Bazoum, denouncing the actions of the presidential guard as unacceptable betrayal.
As the crisis unfolds, the Kremlin stated that the situation in Niger would be discussed during the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg. The events in Niger demand attention and action from the global community, as the country faces a turbulent situation.