While Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum is still being held by the presidential guard, the situation could worsen. Indeed, the Nigerien army, which has refused to join the cause of the presidential guard, is now ready to confront the guard, along with the special forces, to prevent the eviction of President Bazoum.
“Early this Wednesday morning, elements of the presidential guard engaged in an anti-republican movement and unsuccessfully sought the support of the National Armed Forces and the National Guard,” announced the Nigerien presidency in a statement on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
Although several sources confirm that the presidential couple is safe and sound, the situation remains concerning. The “talks” initiated to restore calm are struggling to yield results, leaving room for a discernible risk of confrontation.
The army is mobilizing… After refusing to lend support to the disloyal members of the presidential guard attempting to overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum since Wednesday morning, the army and the special forces are said to be mobilizing to take matters into their own hands.
The Nigerien Defense and Security Forces, who prioritize a peaceful resolution, are also prepared to confront the disloyal members of the presidential guard if necessary. “The Army and the National Guard are ready to attack the elements of the presidential guard involved in this movement if they do not return to their senses,” warned the Nigerien presidency.
While the international community expresses concern and condemns the attempted coup, calling for the disloyal members of the presidential guard to return to the barracks, the Nigerien people stand united in the hope of a peaceful resolution without bloodshed.
