General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Niger’s presidential guard who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum this week, has declared himself the country’s new leader.
On Friday, Abdourahamane, also known as Omar Tchiani, appeared on the official television channel Tele Sahel, claiming to be the president of the newly established military council, the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland, and stating that the coup on Wednesday was carried out to preserve national security.
President Bazoum was detained early Wednesday by members of his security detail, with top military authorities later announcing his removal from power and the suspension of all governmental institutions.
Niamey is regarded as a Western ally in the fight against jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region, with troops from France and the United States stationed there.
Niamey is regarded as a Western ally in the fight against jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region, with troops from France and the United States stationed there.
International outrage has poured in, with French President Emmanuel Macron joining the West African regional organization (ECOWAS) in asking that the coup leaders free Bazoum.
Macron praised Bazoum as a “courageous leader who is making the reforms and investments that his country requires,” adding that Paris will join regional countries in sanctioning the coup plotters.
Tchiani, who has been in charge of the presidential guard since 2011, explained his actions on Thursday as a reaction to the “deteriorating security situation.” He claimed that the administration had failed to provide the people of Niger with “a glimpse of a genuine way out.”
“The harsh reality of insecurity in Niger, experienced by our defense forces and hardworking populations, with its toll of deaths, displacement, humiliation, and frustration, reminds us on a daily basis of this stark reality,” Tchiani said
