Nigerien soldiers perpetrated a coup on Wednesday July 27, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected in February 2021.
In their speech for the occasion on national television, the putschists announced several measures, including the closing of the borders until the situation stabilized.
« We, Defense and Security Forces (FDS), united within the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), have decided to put an end to the regime that you know, » said Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, surrounded by a few soldiers in military uniform.
“This follows the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance,” he explained.
The CNSP will hold to « respect for all the commitments made by Niger » and « to respect the physical and moral integrity of the deposed authorities in accordance with the principles of human rights », affirmed the colonel-major as if to reassure the national community and international.
Abdramane announced, at the same time, the suspension of « all institutions from the 7th Republic », the closure of « land and air borders » until the situation is stabilized, and « a curfew » on the entire national territory, from Wednesday “until further notice”. The general secretaries of the ministries are called upon to deal with day-to-day business.
Some observers believe that, through this coup, Bazoum would be paying the price for its proximity to France, which had redeployed to Niger last summer some of its soldiers previously based in Mali as part of the fight against terrorism.
Never mind, several capitals and international or regional organizations have condemned the coup, calling among other things for the release of the elected president.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1265 of 07/27/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
