The political situation in Niger is taking a complex turn as the National Council for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), composed of military coup leaders, accuses France of preparing a military intervention against the presidential palace to free the detained President Mohamed Bazoum.
According to a statement read by the spokesperson of the ruling junta in Niger on Monday, July 31, 2023, a French military intervention had been authorized by the ousted government with the intention of freeing President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held by the presidential guard.
The necessary political and military authorizations were reportedly granted by the interim Prime Minister, Hassoumi Massaoudou, and the commander of the National Guard, Colonel-Major Midou Guirey, according to documents whose authenticity remains to be verified.
Tensions are further escalating with the alleged involvement of the security services of a Western embassy in violent events during demonstrations in Niamey. “The CNSP has also accused the security services of a Western embassy, without specifying which one, of firing tear gas grenades and using their weapons against protesters gathered in front of this embassy, resulting in six injuries,” according to the junta. In response, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “France has no other objective than the safety of its nationals,” as reported by RFI.
On Sunday, France condemned the coup d’état and demanded the reinstatement of Mohamed Bazoum in his functions while expressing vigilance regarding the security of its citizens in Niger.
Overthrown last Thursday by elements of his presidential guard, Mohamed Bazoum is reported to be in good health according to his close associates and has even met with Mahamat Idriss Deby, a representative of ECOWAS. The sub-regional organization has called for a return to constitutional order, setting a one-week ultimatum for the Nigerien junta.
