In a shocking development, the Niger military, led by coup leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani and Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, announced the complete termination of diplomatic ties with Nigeria, France, Togo, and the United States.
Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former head of Niger’s presidential guard, orchestrated the overthrow of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, proclaiming himself as the new head of state. Justifying their actions, Tchiani cited the need to liberate Niger from what they referred to as “bad governance” and deteriorating security conditions.
Addressing the nation via a televised statement, Gen Tchiani declared the immediate end to the functions of extraordinary ambassadors and plenipotentiaries of the Republic of Niger in the four affected countries.
The ambassadors who were relieved of their duties include Aishatou Boulamakane, Niger’s ambassador to the French Republic; Alad Magaskia, Niger’s ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Sidi Zakari, Niger’s ambassador to the Togolese Republic; and Limon Tingiri Mohamadou Tiari, Niger’s ambassador to the United States.
The military’s seizure of power occurred in July when armed troops besieged the presidential palace in Niamey, leading to widespread concern and condemnation. Notably, Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, also under military rule, expressed their support for the military-led government in Niger.
Numerous countries and international bodies have called for the immediate reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was among the organizations urging the restoration of democratic governance in Niger. During an extraordinary session presided over by ECOWAS chairperson President Bola Tinubu, the body issued a one-week ultimatum for the coup plotters to relinquish power to the democratically elected government. Furthermore, ECOWAS resolved to impose several sanctions on Niger in response to the coup.
Attempting to resolve the political crisis, a high-level delegation from ECOWAS, led by Abdulsalami Abubakar, former military head of state, traveled to Niger to engage in negotiations with the military junta.
The delegation, accompanied by Muhammadu Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission, however, only managed to meet with representatives of the junta, failing to reach a conclusive resolution.
The situation remains tense as the international community closely monitors developments in Niger, urging a peaceful resolution to restore democratic governance and stability in the country.
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