De-facto Niger leader urges calm among citizens
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Nigerien de-facto leader General Omar Tchiani urges the Nigerien people to remain calm in light of the mutiny that took place.
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Supporters of mutinous soldiers demonstrate in Niamey, Niger, July 27 2023 (AP)
The self-declared leader of Niger, Gen. Omar Tchiani, took to state television on Friday to address the citizens of the country and call for calm in the midst of a political upheaval.
Presented as the "chairman of the National Council of Defense," Tchiani sought to reassure the nation and urged unity to tackle the various challenges facing Niger.
Tchiani reiterated the National Council of Defense of the Fatherland's plea for calmness among the populace. He emphasized the importance of working together to find solutions to the pressing issues of security, economy, and social welfare.
The situation took a turn toward the top official taking over the country on Wednesday when members of the Tchiani-led presidential guard claimed to have successfully overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, leading to the closure of borders and the imposition of a curfew in the country "until further notice."
The developments came shortly after the presidential guard detained President Bazoum at his residence and sealed off access to public offices in the capital city of Niamey.
The President's office was quick to respond, asserting that Niger's army did not support the mutineers. However, in an unexpected twist, the military command later declared its solidarity with the mutineers.
Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, sought to allay concerns about President Bazoum's safety. He confirmed that the deposed President was in good health and safe amidst the unfolding situation.
The leaders of the Niger "coup" asserted that they had gained substantial support from the military and urged for calm in the country. However, ex-colonizer France did not consider the "coup" as a definitive event.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna suggested that there might be ways for the "coup" plotters to avoid global condemnation by bringing Bazoum back to power.
"If you hear me talking about an attempted coup, it's because we don't consider things final," she said. "There is still a way out if those responsible listen to the international community."
This comes after Nigerien military rebels reported on Thursday that a French military aircraft violated Niger's air border closure, which had been implemented in response to the recent coup in the country.
The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, which is now in de facto control of Niger, made this claim during a televised address.
According to the rebels, the French aircraft, identified as an A400M military plane, landed at Niamey's international airport at 6:30 am local time (05:30 GMT), despite the order to close both air and land borders.
