Niger Republic coup plotters
UN condemns coup in Niger Republic
United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres has condemned a suspected coup in the West African nation of Niger Republic, following reports that the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum is being held by some of palace guards inside his official residence.
Since 2021, no fewer than five coups and attempted takeovers have taken place in West Africa alone, including; two 2022 coups in Burkina Faso (September 30 and January 24), a February 1 failed Guinea-Bissau, September 5 – Guinea (Conakry) and the May 24 coup in Mali in 2021.
The latest in Niger Republic brings the total to six.
According to news reports, the officers seized President Bazoum and blockaded his residence in the capital Niamey on Wednesday, leading the African Union Commission Chair, to describe their actions as “tantamount to an attempted coup d’etat” – although there have been no reports so far of gunfire.
The would be plotters have reportedly not gained support from other elements of the military or security forces, but talks to secure the president’s release have been unsuccessful so far.
Already the Nigerian government has flown a high-powered delegation to Niamey to try and negotiate with the suspected coup plotters and restore order to the country.
Moussa Faki condemned the military “acting in total betrayal of their republican duty”, urging the “felon soldiers” to return to their barracks.
The main regional bloc ECOWAS also condemned the “attempted coup” calling on the officers holding the president to release him immediately.
In a short statement released by his Spokesperson, Mr. Guterres said he was following the evolving situation in Niger closely.
“He condemns in the strongest terms any effort to seize power by force and to undermine democratic governance, peace and stability in Niger.
“The Secretary-General calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint and to ensure the protection of constitutional order”, the statement continued.
The UN said it would always stand by the Government and the people of Niger.
The neighbouring countries of Mali and Burkina Faso have both experienced military coups in the past few years, in the wake of growing jihadist insurgencies which have destabilized the entire region.
There are two militant groups allied to both al-Qaeda and ISIL operating within Niger itself, one which crossed the border with Mali eight years ago, and the other from a base in northeast Nigeria.
There have been four coups since Niger gained independence from France in 1960, the last occurring in 2010.
