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Niger's president vows democracy will prevail after mutinous soldiers detain him and declare a coup

Published:Thursday | July 27, 2023 | 12:47 PM
With the headquarters of the ruling party burning in the back, supporters of mutinous soldiers demonstrate in Niamey, Niger, Thursday, July 27 2023. Governing bodies in Africa condemned what they characterised as a coup attempt Wednesday against Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, after members of the presidential guard declared they had seized power in a coup over the West African country's deteriorating security situation. (AP Photo/Fatahoulaye Hassane Midou)

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Niger's president defiantly declared Thursday that democracy would prevail, a day after mutinous soldiers detained him and announced they had seized power in a coup because of the West African country's deteriorating security situation.

While many people in the capital of Niamey went about their usual business, it remained unclear who was in control of the country and which side the majority might support.

A statement tweeted by the army command's account declared that it would back the coup to avoid a "murderous confrontation" that could lead to a "bloodbath." It was not possible to confirm that the statement was genuine.

Meanwhile, President Mohamed Bazoum — who was elected in 2021 in Niger's first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960 and is a key ally of the West — appeared to have the backing of several political parties.

"The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it," Bazoum tweeted early Thursday.

Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou issued a similar call on news network France 24, asking "all Nigerien democratic patriots to stand up as one to say no to this factious action."
He demanded the president's unconditional release and said talks were ongoing.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who spoke to Bazoum by phone on Wednesday, said in a statement that he was "extremely worried" about the situation in Niger and warned of the "terrible effects on development" and civilians due to "successive unconstitutional changes of government in the Sahel region."

The Economic Community of West African States sent Benin President Patrice Talon to lead mediation efforts.

Bazoum is a key ally in the West's efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africa's Sahel region. Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighbouring nations.

Russia and the West have been vying for influence in the fight against extremism in the region.

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