Photo:www.lemonde.fr
France's government has
expressed its stance regarding the coup in Niger, stating that it does not
consider it to be final despite the military's actions in supporting the
removal of the democratically elected president. The French foreign minister,
Catherine Colonna, emphasized that the situation could still be resolved
peacefully if those responsible heed the calls of the international community.
President Mohamed Bazoum, who
was taken captive by his own presidential guard and confined to his residence during
the coup, remains committed to safeguarding Niger's hard-won democratic gains.
Colonna confirmed that President Bazoum is in good health and has communicated
with France's President Emmanuel Macron.
Although the military command
has declared its support for the coup with the aim of avoiding destabilization
in the country, there have been reports of unrest in the capital, Niamey, with
instances of car burnings and looting. Despite these developments, President
Bazoum's determination to protect democratic principles resonated in his tweet,
assuring Nigeriens that their gains would be preserved.
French authorities and
international organizations have condemned the coup attempt. The African Union
and the west African bloc Ecowas have voiced their disapproval, with the UN
Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasizing the importance of respecting
Niger's constitution.
Niger's significance as a key
ally of France and the US in combating jihadist groups in the Sahel region
cannot be overlooked. The country's role has become more prominent due to
strained relations with military governments in Burkina Faso and Mali, leading
to foreign troop withdrawals.
As the situation unfolds,
questions remain regarding Niger's approach in handling security challenges and
potential engagement with groups like Russia's Wagner, as seen in neighboring
Mali and Burkina Faso. The impact of these decisions could have broader
implications for the region's stability.
Niger has faced political
upheaval before, and its citizens have expressed their opposition to a change
of power through demonstrations. The country, with its rapidly increasing
population and socio-economic challenges, has endured previous coups and
attempts, reflecting its vulnerability to instability.
In response to the coup
attempt, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for the
democratically elected President Bazoum and condemned efforts to undermine
Niger's constitutional order. Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chair
of Ecowas, has dispatched Benin's President, Patrice Talon, on a mediation
mission to Niger.
The situation in Niger remains
fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments to
ensure a peaceful resolution and the continuation of democratic governance in
the country.
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