Violent Pro-Coup Demonstrations Rock Niger as Political Turmoil Intensifies.
In Niger’s capital, Niamey, disturbing scenes unfolded as supporters of the recent coup carried out an aggressive attack on the headquarters of the deposed president’s party. Armed with stones and fueling flames, the demonstrators targeted politicians while also vandalizing cars parked outside the building.
The shocking incident occurred following the successful TV announcement of the coup led by certain soldiers, prompting a chorus of international concerns. Russia, along with other countries and the UN, called for the release of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was taken captive during the coup. President Bazoum, elected two years ago, is a crucial ally in the Western coalition’s fight against Islamist militants in the volatile West Africa region.
Notably, both the US and France, former colonizers of Niger, maintain military bases in the uranium-rich country, and they unequivocally condemned the coup. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured President Bazoum of Washington’s steadfast support during this crisis.
Despite efforts by Niger’s foreign minister to encourage dialogue and rally support, the army chief of staff publicly backed the takeover to prevent internal strife within the armed forces.
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As events unfolded, Niamey saw shops and markets reopening for business after initial delays due to heavy rainfall. In response to the coup, pro-coup demonstrators flooded the streets, with some waving Russian flags and others holding up hand-written signs denouncing France and calling for the removal of foreign military bases.
To quell the unrest, police resorted to tear gas to disperse protesters who had congregated at the ruling party’s headquarters. Party activists fled in the face of the oncoming demonstrators.
The coup’s supporters accuse the deposed party of corruption and insufficient action in tackling security challenges, including the persistent jihadist insurgency.
This chaotic turn of events has further plunged Niger into political turmoil, raising concerns both within the country and across the international community.
Niger Coup; Citizens attacking politicians. pic.twitter.com/BMMW415RKP
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) July 27, 2023
#Niger: unfortunate scenes of coup supporters set on fire and destroyed vehicles outside Bazoum’s political party PNDS-Tarayya office. pic.twitter.com/ZmZzjyVbDF
— Rida Lyammouri (@rmaghrebi) July 27, 2023
🇳🇪#Niger #Niamey the local population is attcking the former administration ministries and setting them on fire. The yesterday’s coup which unfolded peacefully today turn to ransack and distruction. Military junta supported by external forces and regional assistance. pic.twitter.com/q4GLX39kSp
— Gabrian (@511ZGS) July 27, 2023
Bazoum took to Twitter on Thursday morning to issue a defiant statement: “The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it.”
Niger Coup; Citizens attacking politicians.
pic.twitter.com/BMMW415RKP
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama)
July 27, 2023
#Niger
: unfortunate scenes of coup supporters set on fire and destroyed vehicles outside Bazoum’s political party PNDS-Tarayya office.
pic.twitter.com/ZmZzjyVbDF
— Rida Lyammouri (@rmaghrebi)
July 27, 2023
#Niger  #Niamey
the local population is attcking the former administration ministries and setting them on fire. The yesterday’s coup which unfolded peacefully today turn to ransack and distruction. Military junta supported by external forces and regional assistance.
pic.twitter.com/q4GLX39kSp
— Gabrian (@511ZGS)
July 27, 2023
