A coup attempt was reported in Niamey, Niger, early on Wednesday morning, leading to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by guards. Despite the unsettling situation, it was confirmed that the President and his family are safe. The Army and National Guard have expressed their readiness to counterattack the elements involved in the coup attempt if they do not come to a peaceful resolution.
According to updates, President Bazoum and the Minister of Interior, among others, are currently under arrest. Negotiations are ongoing, with the main condition being President Bazoum’s stepping down from his position.
Reacting to the situation, President Bola Tinubu, who serves as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), expressed his firm stance against any military takeover. Tinubu asserted that ECOWAS and all proponents of democracy worldwide would not tolerate any action that undermines the democratically-elected government in Niger.
In his statement, Tinubu emphasized that the ECOWAS leadership is closely monitoring the developments in Niger and is determined to ensure that democracy remains intact and thrives in the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to protect the hard-earned democracy in line with the universally accepted principle of constitutionalism.
As the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu declared that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger. He conveyed the absolute resolve of leaders in the sub-region to defend and preserve constitutional order, pledging that ECOWAS will stand strong against any attempt to destabilize legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.
While the situation remains fluid, ECOWAS and its leaders are closely monitoring the developments in Niger to ensure that democracy prevails and that the will of the people is upheld. The region stands united in its commitment to safeguarding democratic values and principles, sending a clear message to those attempting to disrupt the legitimate governance in Niger that such actions will not be tolerated.
