On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced strong apprehension regarding the Coup in Niger, which resulted in the removal of its elected leader.
Macron highlighted the potential dangers this political disruption poses to the Sahel region, prompting Western powers to rally support in defense of a partner amidst prevailing insurgencies.
‘This coup is completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger and for the whole region,’ Macron said, also demanding the release of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The President, Bazoum, has been under house arrest by his own presidential guard since Wednesday.
The international community has long regarded Niger’s government as a stronghold against Islamist militancy in a vast and arid region grappling with numerous security challenges.
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While French and UN troops had to withdraw from Mali in recent times, France’s presence in Niger continues with 1,500 soldiers. Nowever, the overthrow of Bazoum raises questions about the sustainability of their deployment.
From his visit to Papua New Guinea, Macron made it clear that restoring constitutional order was of utmost importance, and he assured his support for regional blocs like ECOWAS, be it in mediation efforts or the imposition of sanctions against the coup plotters.
It’s worth noting that the west African county of Niger witnessed a sudden turnaround in the political landscape as it’s democratically elected president was placed user house arrest by his guard.
Several entities, including ECOWAS, were quick to react upon learning of the imminent coup, which is evident with the recent development, urging for the president’s immediate release and emphasising the detrimental impact such actions could have on the country’s democratic norms.