Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ On a recent incident in Niger, the presidential guard attempted a coup d’état, resulting in clashes with demonstrators who were showing their support for President Mohamed Bazoum. The demonstrations took place in Niamey, the capital city, as the protesters tried to approach the presidency where President Bazoum was being held by the presidential guard. During the confrontations, warning shots were fired to disperse the crowd, and unfortunately, one demonstrator sustained a wound. However, the source of the injury, whether it was caused by a bullet or during the ensuing chaos, remains unclear. The situation is tense, and authorities are working to restore order and investigate the incident further.
As of Wednesday morning, President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger was held by members of the presidential guard after unsuccessful negotiations on undisclosed matters. In response to the apparent coup attempt, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who leads the regional bloc ECOWAS and supports the restoration of democracy in West African countries governed by military juntas, announced that Benin’s President Patrice Talon would travel to Niger to mediate the situation. The involvement of regional leaders aims to address the crisis and work towards a resolution that upholds democratic principles in Niger. The situation is being closely monitored by the international community to ensure stability and respect for democratic processes in the region.
Niger has a history of political instability since gaining independence from France in 1960, experiencing multiple coups. However, it witnessed its first democratic transition of power in 2021 when Mohamed Bazoum assumed the presidency after his predecessor voluntarily stepped down. The country also faces challenges from a jihadist insurgency, along with its Sahel neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, which began in Mali in 2012 and has spread across porous borders in the region. The ongoing fighting against jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State has approached within 100 kilometers of the capital city, adding to the complexity of the situation.
https://www.dw.com/en/who-is-nigerias-new-president-bola-tinubu/a-64851330
