Niger Soldiers Announce Coup, Shut Country’s Borders

Niamey — Nigerien soldiers have announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from office.

Amadou Abdramane, a colonel-major, made the announcement in a televised address to the nation late Wednesday, July 26.

Flanked by fellow Nigerien soldiers, Abdramane declared that: “We, the defence and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime of President Bazoum.”

He also announced that his new government had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the country’s borders.

PulseNets earlier reported that Bazoum had been held hostage by troops from the presidential guard.

Heavy military presence had been reported in the Niger presidential villa, while the president was denied access to his office and residence.

This latest coup will be the fifth in the West African country since its independence in 1960, while former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had described the last coup attempt in 2021 as “utterly naïve, despicable, and unacceptable”.

Following the latest coup in Niger, many countries, organisations, and diplomats have pledged their support for the country during this period.

Earlier, Nigeria President Bola Tinubu, the chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said the body would not tolerate acts that undermine democracy in the region.

Also Read: Niger Coup: Tinubu’s Delegation Led by Gbajabiamila Lands in Niamey

ECOWAS deployed Beninese President Patrice Talon to the country shortly after his statement.

Moussa Mahamat, the African Union (AU) chairperson, condemned the action and expressed his strong displeasure about what happened in Niger.

Mahamat said members of the military betrayed their republican duty and urged them to reverse the action immediately.