In a dramatic turn of events, General Omar Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard in Niger, has taken control of the country and declared himself the new ruler. The announcement was made on national television on Friday.
The coup unfolded on Wednesday when officers from the presidential guard detained the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, who took office in 2021. Subsequently, 10 military officers announced the establishment of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and claimed to have assumed power.
In response to the power grab, the Interior Ministry of Niger imposed a ban on all demonstrations in the nation of 26 million people. The military also warned foreign states against any attempts at military intervention, citing potential devastating consequences for the country.
Surprisingly, some opposition parties have expressed support for the coup, though the extent of their involvement remains unclear. They have called for demonstrations on Friday.
The coup has garnered sharp criticism from various international entities. Washington, the European Union, the African Union (AU), and individual governments such as Russia and Germany have all condemned the destabilization attempt. The EU has pledged its support to the democratically elected President Bazoum.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for President Bazoum’s immediate release and urged respect for the rule of law and public safety. Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel assured President Bazoum of the EU’s support and denounced the coup attempt in the strongest terms.
The situation in Niger remains tense as the country grapples with the aftermath of the coup and faces international scrutiny and condemnation.
(With inputs from agencies)
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