Blinken extends unflagging support to Niger’s ousted leader Bazoum

Following Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani’s declaration of himself as the new head of state in Niger, the United States, the UN, and France all called for a swift return to order.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed unwavering support to Niger’s ousted leader Mohamed Bazoum and issued a warning to those detaining him, emphasizing that “hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance” could be at risk. The State Department’s spokesperson, Matt Miller, stated that Blinken, amidst completing a multi-nation Pacific tour, made a second call to Bazoum to reaffirm America’s commitment.

Blinken also expressed concern over Bazoum’s continued detention in a separate call to former Nigerien leader Mahamadou Issoufou, underscoring the need to find a resolution for the restoration of constitutional order in the country. As a further response, Washington previously indicated that it might suspend security and other cooperation with Niger, where 1,000 US troops are stationed.

Additionally, Blinken engaged in discussions with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to address the situation in Niger, stressing the urgency of efforts to restore constitutional order in the West African nation that has been grappling with militant-related challenges.

During his public appearance on state television on Monday, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the presidential guard since 2011, proclaimed himself the “president of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland,” and warned against foreign military intervention, saying it would lead to chaos.

In response to these developments, the UN Security Council condemned the unconstitutional attempt to change the country’s legitimate government and demanded the immediate release of Mohamed Bazoum.

The White House’s national security spokesperson, John Kirby, echoed the US condemnation of any attempt to seize power through force, cautioning that a military takeover could prompt the US to halt security and other cooperation with Niger.

Macron to lead Niger’s coup defense meeting

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to lead a defense meeting on the Niger coup, as a powerful general has declared himself the new leader. There are approximately 1,500 French troops in the country, one of its last allies in the Sahel region after the recent withdrawal of French forces from Mali.

Macron has strongly condemned the putschists for deposing Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, calling the coup completely illegitimate and a profound danger to the population, Niger, and the entire region. He also urged for Bazoum’s release and the restoration of constitutional order.

Niger now joins Mali and Burkina Faso as the third nation in the Sahel region to be affected by militant attacks linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

Coup declaration grips Niger’s capital in chaos

Chaos and looting broke out in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Thursday, a day after the country’s armed forces declared a coup against the government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

In the Central African country’s capital, burnt-out car carcasses lined the streets, while the headquarters of Bazoum’s socialist party were ransacked by people. Additionally, a large gathering of hundreds showed support for the coup outside the National Assembly.

On Wednesday evening, the self-proclaimed National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland’s Nigerien officers announced the coup on national TV. Prior to this, the presidential guard had declared the detention of the president. In response, supporters of the ousted president quickly took to the streets to protest against the military takeover.

The international community has widely condemned the coup with UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, calling on the army to reinstate the elected government.