Mohamed Bazoum, the ousted President of Niger Republic, along
with the country’s Minister of State
and Foreign Affairs, Hassoumi Massoudou,
has made a passionate plea for the protection of democracy and the defeat of
the soldiers who orchestrated the overthrow of his government.
The coup d’État in Niger Republic unfolded on a Wednesday
morning, commencing at the presidential palace, where Bazoum was detained by a
group of soldiers known as the Presidential Guard (PG). The PG claimed their
actions were driven by dissatisfaction with the country’s political leadership.
Despite calls from the ECOWAS Commission, the regional bloc for
West Africa, and other international partners, urging the coup plotters to
release the president unconditionally, the soldiers remained unyielding. They
gathered at the national television station on the same day to announce the
overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum’s democratically elected government.
Following the seizure of power, Colonel Amadou Abdramane read a
statement on behalf of the soldiers, declaring the closure of the country’s
borders and imposing a nationwide curfew. They also cautioned against any
foreign intervention in support of the ousted leader. Their decision to take
control was motivated by their concerns over the deteriorating security
situation and perceived mismanagement of governance.
In response to these events, the former Foreign Minister,
Hassoumi Massoudou, took to Twitter, calling upon all advocates of democracy
and patriotism to unite against the risky course of action taken by the coup
plotters, emphasizing the importance of preserving democracy in Niger.
Likewise, the ousted President himself used Twitter to rally those who cherish
democracy and freedom to work together in safeguarding the hard-won achievements
of their nation.
In summary, following the coup d’État in Niger Republic,
President Mohamed Bazoum and Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou have both
called for the protection of democracy and urged their fellow citizens to stand
against the actions of the soldiers who overthrew the government. The situation
remains tense as the country faces uncertainty and potential challenges ahead.
