By: Oyez Olatunde Rex
With Agency Reports
In defiance to the widespread condemnation of their attempted usurpation of the democratically elected government, Leaders of the coup in Niger has dissolved the government, suspended the constitution and declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state on Friday.
This is coming days after saying they had ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a military takeover.
Several Western powers, African countries, regional and international organizations have continued to declare support for Bazoum while calling for democracy to be restored.
This development and it’s disruption to regional security has raised concerns about the security of a region where “Niger has been a key ally of Western powers seeking to contain insurgencies by groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.”
In France which is the former colonial power, the Foreign Minister Catherina Colonna today still referred to the development as an “attempted coup” and stated further that it still recognised Bazoum as the legitimate leader.
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In America, national security spokesman John Kirby said there was still room for intra-African diplomacy, that is to say, there might still be a possible soft landing for the coup plotters in the event they retrace their steps.
And as obviously speculated, Kirby told newsmen earlier on Friday that “A military takeover may cause the United States to cease security and other cooperation with the government of Niger,”
Meanwhile, ousted President Bazoum is yet to make further pronouncements after having reportedly vowed to protect a “hard-won” democratic gains via a social media post.
Reuters reports that “several world leaders said they have spoken to him since the coup, and that he is still detained in the palace with his family but “fine”.
Unfolding events reveal the president of a newly formed military body, the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP), is General Abdourahamane Tiani doubles as the head of state,” an officer stated, as he read out a statement on national television.
The CNSP will henceforth exercise all powers of state until the body returns the country to civil rule. No date or program of return to constitutional rule was however given in all statements from the body so far.
