On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, President Patrice Talon traveled to Nigeria, from where he was announced as a mediator in Niger in the context of the coup d’état carried out by a group of military personnel. This role as a mediator is not to everyone’s liking. Bertin Koovi, the president of the Alliance Iroko, believes that Patrice Talon should stay away from this matter.
Patrice Talon, as a mediator of ECOWAS in Niger, following the ousting of Mohamed Bazoum by the military, is not seen as a good idea by Bertin Koovi. “Mr. Patrice Talon, President of Benin, take care of Benin and let those who want to impose democracy on Niger, Burkina, Mali, Guinea go and do so. Especially, do not meddle in the affairs of Niger, let alone Burkina, Mali, or Guinea,” he wrote.
According to this Beninese political figure, “one cannot impose a political regime on others” and “ECOWAS is not in a position to give lessons on the principles of democracy.” “Mr. President Patrice Talon, Benin needs you to continue its construction and its steady progress in the political choices it has made,” Koovi emphasized.
Bertin Koovi condemns the coup d’état, but… Bertin Koovi expresses his “disapproval of any process that puts an end to the normal functioning of a power established through an electoral and democratic process.” He strongly condemns “this coup d’état against President Bazoum.” However, he does not call for his “restoration” to the presidency.
According to Bertin Koovi, the coup leaders may have reasons that are in favor of the “higher interest of Niger.” “We have the strong impression that these military regimes have more support from their people than some African presidents who act as democracy professors,” he said.
A dark Wednesday for Mohamed Bazoum On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, things happened very quickly in Niamey. Early in the morning, news of an attempted coup d’état was widely reported in the press. President Bazoum was being held by the presidential guard, and negotiations were initiated.
Unfortunately, the negotiations did not lead to a resolution. Even the numerous statements issued by regional institutions and the international community did not dampen the enthusiasm of the coup leaders. Later in the evening, they announced that they had taken power from Mohamed Bazoum. The statement was read on national television by a group of military personnel.
The military announced the suspension of the Constitution and imposed a curfew. The borders are now closed, even though a delegation from ECOWAS is expected to arrive in Niamey.
