On July 26, soldiers in Niger announced a coup on national TV, declaring that they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the nation's borders, BBC reports on July 27. Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was held by troops from the presidential guard since early that day. The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured President Bazoum of Washington's unwavering support during a call. Additionally, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered the UN's full support to President Bazoum.
The coup was led by Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, who stated that it was in response to the deteriorating security situation and poor economic and social governance in the country. He represented the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP). The soldiers announced the suspension of all institutions, with day-to-day business being taken care of by the heads of ministries. They also imposed a night curfew from 22:00 to 05:00 local time until further notice.
Niger's President Bazoum is a crucial ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa. The country has been facing challenges from jihadist uprisings, similar to neighbouring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which experienced coups triggered by the insurgency. The coup in Niger comes amid rising concerns about the presence of heavily armed Russian Wagner mercenaries assisting military regimes in Mali.
International responses to the coup have been swift, with the US, UN, and Ecowas condemning the attempt to seize power by force. Ecowas has sent Benin's President Patrice Talon on a mediation mission to Niger to restore constitutional order, advocating for a peaceful resolution. The coup attempt was met with some public support for President Bazoum in the capital city, Niamey, where protests were dispersed by soldiers.
Niger has a history of coups and attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. The country currently faces challenges from two Islamist insurgencies, one originating from Mali and the other involving jihadists based in northeastern Nigeria, with militant groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State being active in the region.
Earlier Daryo mentined that soldiers blockade presidential palace in Niger and President Mohamed Bazoum, who assumed office through a democratic election in 2021, engaged in negotiations with the elite guard force from his own presidential guard on July 26.
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