Nigerien army pledges allegiance to coup plotters

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The army said the decision was necessary to avoid fighting within the armed forces, it said.

Niger’s army has declared allegiance to the defense and security forces that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday, according to a statement on Thursday signed by Abdou Sidikou Issa, the army chief of staff.

The statement, posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, said the decision was necessary to avoid fighting within the armed forces.

🛑🛑🛑#COMMUNIQUE de l’Etat-Major des Armées. pic.twitter.com/X2nPIeq4ds

— Forces Armées Nigériennes (@ArmeesNiger) July 27, 2023

Members of the Presidential Guard had detained President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace in the capital Niamey.

In a statement broadcast on national television, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for a group calling itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country said “the defence and security forces … have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with”.

“This follows the continuous deterioration of the security situation, the bad social and economic management,” he added.

The soldier said the country’s borders were closed and a nationwide curfew was in place. All institutions of the country were also suspended, he added.

Abdramane was seated and flanked by nine other officers wearing fatigues as he read out his statement.

Wednesday’s incident has sparked global condemnation.

More details to follow…