The army of Niger has announced its allegiance to the defense and security forces that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday, in a bid to avoid internal conflict within the armed forces.
This announcement came in a statement signed by the army chief of staff on Thursday. This comes at a time when President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held captive by coup military personnel in Niamey, and his Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou, refuse to recognize the coup that has taken place in Niger. Both issued separate statements asserting they still represent the legitimate authorities of the country.
Bazoum stated on Thursday via the ‘X’ service, formerly known as Twitter, “The achievements made after a long struggle will be safeguarded. All Niger-loving sons of democracy and freedom will ensure this.”
For his part, Foreign Minister and Acting Prime Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou said, “We are the legitimate and legal authorities.” He added that “the legal and legitimate authority is that exercised by the elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum”, who is currently being held by the coup military personnel at the Presidential Palace in Niamey. He further noted that Bazoum is “in good health.”
Massaoudou, who is currently in Niamey, acknowledged “There was an attempted coup”, but “not all of the army participated in this coup”. He went on to urge the dissident officers to cease their actions. “Everything can be achieved through dialogue, but the institutions of the republic must function.”
He added, “Wherever in Niger, the republican and democratic system must be able to function. We call on all nationalists and democrats in Niger to stand together to say no to this divisive act which seeks to take us back 10 years and hinder our country’s progress.”
The situation remains unclear in Niamey where the coup leaders, led by Colonel Major Amadou Abdurrahman, announced the suspension of institutional functions and the closure of the country’s borders.
