The ousted Prime Minister of Niger, Oumoudou Mohamedou, expressed a glimmer of hope in diplomatic efforts to end the recent military coup in his country, just as the deadline set by regional powers to reinstate the elected government draws near. In a recent interview in Paris, Mohamedou, who was in Rome when the coup took place, stated that he still clings to hope and believes that a last-minute solution is possible.
Despite the approaching deadline, the deposed Prime Minister remains optimistic about the possibility of a resolution. He expressed expectations for the release of President Bazoum and his reinstatement, along with the restoration of all institutions that were allegedly dissolved by the coup.
France announced its support for thwarting the military coup in Niger without specifying whether this support would include backing the military intervention by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). On the other hand, General Abdulrahman Tianni, the 59-year-old leader of the coup, who received some military training in France, declared that the military council will not back down.
Mohamedou stated that he is in communication with President Bazoum, but raised concerns about the treatment of the deposed leader. He said that while Bazoum’s condition is good as a political prisoner, he is being held without access to water or electricity. The ousted Prime Minister suggested that ECOWAS intervention may be the only way to address this issue, stating that the security of the President is in the hands of ECOWAS.
The situation in Niger remains tense as the regional deadline approaches. ECOWAS has been actively involved in efforts to address the coup and is monitoring the developments closely. The stance of the international community, particularly regional powers, will play a crucial role in determining the future course of events in Niger. As the situation unfolds, the fate of President Bazoum and the political landscape in the country remain uncertain, with the hopes of a diplomatic solution hanging in the balance.