Niger: When the new authorities puff up their chests!
The recently installed Nigerien junta has threatened to attack a member country of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) if the regional bloc intervenes militarily in the country. Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for the National Council for the Safeguard of the homeland (CNSP), made this statement on state television.
«The Nigerien defense and security forces will retaliate against any aggression or attempted aggression from any member state against the State of Niger», he warned.
«Except for the suspended friendly countries», he added, referring to Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Nigeria, currently presiding over ECOWAS, has pledged to respond firmly to coups d’état. Abdramane urged the Nigerien people to inform authorities of any suspicious incidents.
Furthermore, he stated that all military cooperation and protocols with France have been terminated.
On Wednesday, the United States ordered the evacuation of their “non-essential” personnel from the embassy in Niamey.
Regarding France, they announced on Thursday the end of evacuation operations carried out from Niger, in a press release issued by the Quai d’Orsay.
In total, 1,079 people were evacuated, including 577 French citizens and their dependents, on 5 flights that all departed from Niamey to Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport between Tuesday and Wednesday.
On July 26, the head of the Presidential Guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, led a military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been sequestered at the presidential palace since then.
Since July 28, General Tchiani has been leading the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), in control of Niger.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a one-week ultimatum to the military in power in Niger to release and restore the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum to his functions.
ECOWAS issued this ultimatum following an extraordinary session held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Neil Camara
