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.

Attempts to Accuse Russia of Interference in Niger Groundless, Foreign Ministry Says

18:38, 28 July 2023

On Wednesday, members of the Nigerien presidential guard statred that they had overthrown the president, Mohamed Bazoum, closed borders and imposed a curfew in the nation "until further notice." Afterwards, the presidential guard detained Bazoum at his residence and sealed off access to public offices in the country's capital Niamey.

Sputnik

Attempts to accuse Russia of interference in the situation in Niger are groundless, Vsevolod Tkachenko, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Africa Department, told Sputnik on Friday.

"The fake reports [about Russia’s interference] that is happening is aimed at making attempt to blame us for something once again without any reason," the official said at the Russia-Africa summit.

Situation in Niger After Military Coup

Niger Reportedly Names General Abdourahamane Tchiani as New Leader Following Coup

28 July 2023, 13:07

The diplomat added that Moscow already voiced its opinion on the situation in Niger when it called for prompt stabilization of the situation and return of rule of law.

The second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum is taking place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg from July 27-28. Sputnik is an official media partner of the forum.