Niger: Abdourahamane TCHIANI, the new strongman of the country, delivers a speech on the National TV
Although absent during the address given by the coup plotters on Wednesday night, the head of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, delivered a speech on Friday, July 28, on Nigerian national television, in which he proclaims himself «President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Fatherland», the mutiny responsible for the coup against Mohamed Bazoum.
According to Niger’s new strongman, the main motivation behind this coup d’état is the «deterioration of the security situation» caused by terrorism.
In his statement, General Abdourahamane Tchiani explains that under the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, there was a «political discourse» that wanted to make people believe that «everything is fine».
However, there is «the harsh reality with its share of deaths, displaced people, humiliation, and frustration».
He also emphasized that the «current security approach has not secured the country despite the heavy sacrifices made by Nigeriens and the considerable and appreciated support of our foreign partners».
The leader of the junta reiterates «his willingness to respect all international commitments».
«The council, through my voice, asks the partners and friends of Niger, at this crucial stage in the life of our country, to trust our defense and security forces, guarantors of national unity, territorial integrity, and the higher interests of our nation», he continued.
Abdourahmane Tchiani comes from the ranks of the Nigerien army and was promoted to head the presidential guard in 2011 under the presidency of Mahamadou Issoufou.
According to some observers, General Tchiani has remained close to the former president.
As a reminder, the now former head of state is still detained since Wednesday morning at the presidential palace, in his private residence located inside the military camp of the Presidential Guard.
Karim Fall
