In a developing situation that has gripped the nation, soldiers belonging to Niger’s presidential guard have taken control of President Mohamed Bazoum’s office and residence, raising concerns about a possible coup d’état.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, leaving the reason behind the move shrouded in mystery.
According to reliable sources from Reuters, access to ministries adjacent to the presidential palace has also been restricted, effectively blocking off personnel from reaching their offices. As the situation unfolds, government staff inside the palace remain confined and unable to carry out their duties.
Despite the tension, the rest of Niamey, Niger’s capital, however, appears calm. Reports from LSI Africa suggest that discussions are underway between the mutineers and President Mohamed Bazoum.
This incident highlights the fragile political landscape of Niger, a country that has been plagued by instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. Over the years, the nation has witnessed four previous coups, further intensifying concerns over its governance and security.
Similar coup attempts in neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali were partly triggered by frustrations over the authorities’ inability to effectively combat the persistent Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region, which also encompasses Niger.
This is not the first time Niger has faced such a crisis. In March 2021, a military unit attempted to seize the presidential palace just days before President Bazoum was scheduled to be sworn in, fortunately, this attempt was thwarted. Back then, the attempted coup drew widespread condemnation, with former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari denouncing it as “utterly naïve, despicable, and unacceptable.”
President Buhari urged African leaders to stand united against any form of coup and stressed the critical need for coup plotters to consider the historical consequences of violently taking over governments.
As the situation in Niger unfolds, the international community closely watches the events, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Concerns remain high as any further escalation could exacerbate the already unstable region, posing potential threats to both Niger and its neighboring countries.
Authorities and leaders across Africa are urged to address the root causes of such political unrest and foster stability to ensure the well-being of their nations and people.
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