Attempted Coup in Niger: The Details so Far

 

Image Credit: Google

Attempted Underway Coup in Niger Sparks Global Condemnation and Uncertainty

An attempted coup is underway in Niger, with members of the Presidential Guard detaining President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace in the capital Niamey. 

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has triggered a standoff with the army and drawn condemnation from regional and international bodies. 

The West African bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the African Union (AU) have labeled it an "attempted coup d'etat." 

ECOWAS called for the release of Bazoum, while the AU urged the "felon" soldiers involved to return to their barracks immediately. 

The presidency's official Twitter account stated that Bazoum and his family were safe, explaining that the guards engaged in an "anti-Republican demonstration" and tried "in vain" to garner support from other security forces. 

The presidential palace and surrounding ministries have been cordoned off by military vehicles, and staff inside the palace were unable to access their offices. 

However, the rest of Niamey remained calm. President Bazoum has shown reluctance to accede to the plotters' demands and relinquish power. 

The national army has indicated its readiness to take action against the guards if they do not abandon their plans. 

Negotiations between Bazoum's camp and the leaders of the presidential guard were reportedly underway.

While the specific cause of the revolt remains unclear, analysts suggest that rising living costs and perceptions of government incompetence and corruption may have driven the guards' actions. 

Neighboring countries, including Mali and Burkina Faso, have experienced military takeovers in recent years, largely due to frustrations over authorities' inability to contain a rebel uprising in the Sahel region. 

The implications of this attempted coup are significant, especially considering the considerable investment made by Western countries in Niger in terms of financial and security support. 

Niger has been regarded as a crucial bulwark against expanding insecurity in the region. 

However, Ulf Leassing, an analyst with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, warns that the perception of stability due to foreign aid is somewhat illusory. 

The country's weak and impoverished state makes it susceptible to political upheaval. 

Niger also holds strategic importance as a key ally of the European Union in its efforts to combat irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa.

Strong Condemnation by International Community

The international community has voiced strong condemnation of the attempted coup. 

The United Nations, the European Union, the United States, and France all condemned any attempt to seize power forcibly. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all involved parties to exercise restraint and protect constitutional order. 

The US expressed its grave concern about the developments in Niger and urged the release of President Bazoum. 

The EU condemned the destabilization of democracy and the threat to Niger's stability. 

France, which has troops in Niger following tensions with the military government in Mali, also denounced attempts to seize power through force. 

As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, with the outcome having far-reaching implications for Niger's stability and the broader regional security landscape.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)