Attempted Coup in Niger: President Bazoum held by Guards

 

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Niger’s presidency has reported an attempted coup by members of the presidential guard against President Mohamed Bazoum.

The presidency's official Twitter account stated that the guards engaged in an "anti-Republican demonstration" and tried unsuccessfully to gain support from other security forces.

President Bazoum and his family were confirmed to be safe despite initial reports of him being held in the presidential palace in Niamey.

Report of the Incident

The palace and nearby ministries were blocked off by military vehicles, preventing access for staff.

Bazoum's supporters were dispersed with warning shots by the Presidential Guard as they tried to approach the presidential complex.

Al Jazeera's Ahmed Idris mentioned that there were reports of negotiations taking place, and some coup plotters allegedly demanded Bazoum's surrender of power.

Response from Outside

The African Union Commission's chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the attempted coup, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for Bazoum's immediate release and warned those involved would be held accountable.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and several countries, including the United States, France, and the EU, condemned any attempt to seize power by force.

The motives for the coup attempt remain uncertain, but rising living costs, government incompetence, and corruption were cited as potential factors.

Expert Analysis

Emmanuel Kwesi Aning, a professor of peacekeeping practice, acknowledged the challenges facing West African governments due to corruption and the fight against violent extremism.

However, he emphasized that these challenges did not justify a coup.

Niger experienced its first democratic transition of power in 2021 when Bazoum was elected as president.

The region has witnessed several military coups, notably in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, driven partly by frustrations over handling the rebel insurgency in the Sahel region.

Ulf Leassing, an analyst, described the situation as more of a mutiny than a coup attempt by members of the presidential guards.

While Niger may appear stable with international aid support, it remains a poor and fragile country, making it susceptible to political upheavals.

Niger is a crucial ally for Western powers assisting local troops in the fight against the Sahel conflict, which has spread to neighboring countries.

France has moved troops to Niger from Mali due to souring relations with the military government there, a pattern observed in other former French colonies in the region.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)