President detained in Nigeria military coup, international calls for order restoration
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum Remains Detained in Presidential Palace After Military Coup Sparks International Condemnation
chandni
As of Thursday afternoon, Niger President Mohamed Bazoum is still being held in the presidential palace, and the country's leadership remains uncertain following the military coup declared by soldiers on Wednesday evening. The coup has drawn widespread condemnation, with France and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS urging for Bazoum's immediate release and a return to constitutional order. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also expressed the need for the restoration of constitutional order.
In response to the situation, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that cooperation with Niger's government would depend on their commitment to democratic standards. The United States also supports taking action at the United Nations Security Council to de-escalate the crisis in Niger, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. U.N. mission.
African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat reported speaking with President Bazoum on Thursday and assured that the president was in good condition, as per Russian news agency RIA.
The military coup in Niger marks the seventh such incident in West and Central Africa since 2020 and poses serious concerns for democratic progress and the fight against jihadist militants in the region, where Niger serves as a key Western ally.
As of now, a new leader has not been publicly announced, and the coup's initiation by the presidential guard, headed by General Omar Tchiani and responsible for protecting the president and his entourage, adds complexity to the situation.
