The removal of Mohamed Bazoum by the military appears irreversible. The coup was carried out by a group of military personnel, but the military hierarchy has now endorsed the act, stating that it is aimed at “preserving the physical integrity of Mohamed Bazoum.”
In a communiqué released on Thursday, July 27, 2023, the military command of the Niger Armed Forces stated that it has endorsed the declaration of the Defense and Security Forces announcing the removal of Mohamed Bazoum.
The military justifies its position by the concern to “preserve the physical integrity of the President of the Republic and his family, to avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces which, beyond them, could provoke bloodshed and jeopardize the security of the population. On the other hand, the military is concerned about preserving cohesion within the Defense and Security Forces.”
Furthermore, in the same communiqué signed by Major General Abdou Sidikou Issa, the military issued a warning against “any external military intervention, regardless of its origin,” as it “could have disastrous and uncontrollable consequences for our populations and chaos for our country.”
Additionally, the military “invites all Defense and Security Forces to remain focused on their missions and to maintain their well-known combativeness in the pursuit of the fight against terrorism and organized crime, for the ultimate goal of the well-being of our populations.”
A CEDEAO mission announced in Niamey The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is finding it difficult to digest yet another coup d’état in the sub-region. After strongly condemning the removal of Mohamed Bazoum, ECOWAS President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a negotiating mission to Niamey. This mission, led by Patrice Talon, will certainly attempt to salvage what remains.
A dark Wednesday for Mohamed Bazoum On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, things moved rapidly in Niamey. Early in the morning, news of an attempted coup d’état was widely reported in the media. President Bazoum was held by the presidential guard, and negotiations were initiated.
Unfortunately, the negotiations did not yield results. Even the numerous communiqués issued by regional institutions and the international community did not dampen the enthusiasm of the coup plotters. Later in the evening, they announced that they had taken power from Mohamed Bazoum. The communiqué was read on national television by a group of military personnel.
