On Friday, the soldiers responsible for the military coup in Niger announced General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader of the nation.
General Tchiani, who had been heading the Presidential Guard since 2011, made a public appearance on state television, declaring himself as the “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.”
During his televised address, the new leader justified the coup as a response to the deteriorating security situation in the country, which was heavily influenced by jihadist violence and bloodshed.
He warned against any foreign military intervention in Niger’s affairs in the wake of the coup.
Certain dignitaries .. are in thinking of confrontation” which “will end in nothing but the massacre of the Nigerien population and chaos,” they claimed.
On the third day since President Mohamed Bazoum was detained, former colonial master France demanded the restoration of the democratically elected government saying it “does not recognise” the putschists, and calling Bazoum “sole president”.
The coup has prompted mounting international concern, and on Friday Kenyan President William Ruto called the army takeover “a serious setback” for Africa.
The aspirations of the people of Niger for constitutional democracy were subverted by an unconstitutional change of government,” he said in a video message.
The European Union threatened to cut aid to Niamey after what it said was a “serious attack on stability and democracy” in Niger.
Since Wednesday morning, President Bazoum and his family have been restricted to their residence at the presidential palace, situated within the military camp guarded by the military personnel involved in the coup.
Despite the confinement, reports indicate that President Bazoum is in good health, and he has managed to communicate with other heads of state via telephone during this period.
