Deposed leader of Niger, Mohammed Bazoum has called upon the United States and the “entire international community” to aid in the “restoration of constitutional order” following last week’s coup.
In an op-ed published in the Washington Post, President Mohamed Bazoum, who described himself as a “hostage,” emphasized the urgency of the situation.
President Bazoum also expressed concerns about the potential expansion of Russian influence in the region through entities like the Wagner Group, which is already active in neighboring nations.
Niger’s neighboring West African countries have issued warnings of possible military intervention.
In a significant move, the coup leaders declared the withdrawal of Niger’s ambassadors from France, the United States, Nigeria, and Togo. Their decision was conveyed in a statement broadcasted on national television, citing the termination of the ambassadors’ roles.
Only hours before, Niger’s ambassador to the US, Kiari Liman-Tinguiri, told AFP news agency that the junta “should come to reason” and “realise that this affair cannot succeed”.
Niger is a significant uranium producer – a fuel that is vital for nuclear power – and under Mr Bazoum was a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa’s Sahel region.
In his newspaper article, Mr Bazoum warned the coup, if it succeeded, would have “devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world”.
“Fighting for our shared values, including democratic pluralism and respect for the rule of law, is the only way to make sustainable progress against poverty and terrorism,” Mr Bazoum wrote.
“The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history.”
President Bazoum further raised concerns about the connections between the coup leaders and the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which is active in neighboring regions. Wagner’s presence has been perceived negatively by many due to its perceived negative impact on Niger.
“The entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine,” wrote Mr Bazoum.
Many supporters of the Nigerien coup have been chanting pro-Russian slogans and displaying the colors of the Russian flag.
On Thursday, a peaceful demonstration took place in Niger’s capital, Niamey, where thousands of people showed their support for the coup while criticizing other West African nations for imposing sanctions on Niger.
Although there is no evidence of Wagner’s involvement in President Bazoum’s ousting according to the US, the leader of Wagner has reportedly hailed the coup’s success. The Russian government, on the other hand, has called for the reinstatement of the deposed president.
The international community, including the EU, UN, and the US, has strongly condemned the military takeover.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone call with President Bazoum, during which the US reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Niger’s democratically elected government.
President Bazoum, who succeeded another democratically elected president, was detained by his own guards in the recent coup. The coup leader, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, has taken over as head of state.
Niger plays a crucial role in the Sahel region, a troubled area plagued by jihadist activity and military regimes. While neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso experienced military coups, Niger had maintained relative stability in recent years. The country hosts military bases operated by France and the US, which are involved in counterinsurgency efforts against Islamist militants.
President Bazoum’s administration has collaborated with European nations to curb the migration flow across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to repatriate numerous migrants from Libyan detention centers. Additionally, his government has been actively combating human trafficking.