Situation in Niger After Military Coup
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

Niger's Coup Leader Vows to Restore Civilian Rule in Three Years

© AP Photo / Sam MednickNigeriens participate in a march organized by supporters of coup leader Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niamey
Nigeriens participate in a march organized by supporters of coup leader Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niamey - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 20.08.2023
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In late July, military officers from the Nigerien Presidential Guard mutinied and announced the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, headed by Guard Commander Abdourahamane Tchiani, was formed to govern the country.
The leader of the mutineers who seized power in Niger, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, has announced that the military will return the country to civilian rule within three years.
Speaking on national television, Tchiani revealed that the transitional guidelines will be defined within 30 days in a dialog to be conducted by the coup leadership.

"I am convinced that we will work together to find a way out of the crisis, in the interests of all," the general said, adding that the various political parties will present their vision of the transition.

Tchiani argued that the military has no ambition to "confiscate power" and that the new military government in Niger is ready for any dialog, "provided the interests of the people of Niger are taken into account."
In addition, the leader pointed out that neither the army nor the people of Niger want war, but are ready to defend their country.
He remarked that member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have failed to realize that Niger has become pivotal in containing the region from destabilization amidst increased terrorist activities.
Kassoum Coulibaly in an exclusive interview with Sputnik Africa - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 19.08.2023
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Tchiani added that the sanctions imposed on his country are meant to put pressure on the rebels, not to seek a solution to the situation.
On Saturday, media reported that an ECOWAS delegation arrived in the Nigerien capital Niamey and met with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to review his detention terms. Later the delegation reportedly held talks with Tchiani.

The July 26 coup in Niger that removed elected President Mohamed Bazoum drew condemnation from ECOWAS, which cut off financial aid to the country, froze rebels' assets and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country.

In early August, at a summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja, ECOWAS leaders agreed to deploy a reserve force to pressure the Nigerien military to restore Bazoum.
On Friday, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel-Fatau Musah announced that the bloc's chiefs of general staff had agreed on a date to launch the military intervention.
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