The international community condemns it.

France, the former colonial power of Niger, and the ECOWAS bloc of West African countries called for the immediate release of Bazoum and a return to constitutional order. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also stated that constitutional order needed to be restored.

Nigerien Army spokesman Colonel Amadou Adramane speaks on television about the coup in Niamey, Niger, on July 26, 2023. Photo: ORTN

US Vice President Kamala Harris said cooperation with Niger depends on the country's "commitment to continue adhering to democratic standards." African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said he had spoken with President Bazoum and that he was doing well.

Supporters of the coup raided and set fire to the ruling party's headquarters in the capital Niamey on Thursday, after Niger's military command declared its support for the coup.

A similar crowd had previously gathered in front of Niger's parliament . Some chanted anti-French slogans, reflecting France's influence in the Sahel region. Niger gained independence from France in 1960.

The coup was started by Niger's presidential guard, drawn from the armed forces and usually protecting the president and his entourage, led by General Omar Tchiani. But he was not among the soldiers who announced the coup on television late Wednesday.

The coup in Niger is the seventh coup in West and Central Africa since 2020. It could have serious consequences for peace and efforts to combat the jihadist insurgency in the region, where Niger is a key ally of the West.

Since relations with Burkina Faso and the Malian government deteriorated, Niger's role has become increasingly important to Western powers in their efforts to combat the insurgency in the Sahel region. France moved troops to Niger from Mali last year.

Colonel Amadou Abdramane, who announced the coup on state television, said that the defense and security forces acted to address the deteriorating security situation and the government's poor management.

Insecurity has remained a problem since Bazoum's election in 2021. The unrest has killed thousands of Nigeriens and displaced more than 6 million people across the Sahel region.

Huy Hoang (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/dao-chinh-o-niger-cong-dong-quoc-te-len-an-tong-thong-bazoum-van-bi-giam-giu-post258122.html