Nigeriens Unite to Reject Attempted Coup and Protect “Hard-Won” Democratic Gains

Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum has vowed to protect the nation’s “hard-won” democratic gains after he was detained by elite troops who declared they had taken power in the West African nation.

The attempted coup occurred on Wednesday when members of the presidential guard confined Bazoum in Niamey and announced that “all institutions” in the country would be suspended, the borders closed and a night-time curfew imposed.

In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassoumi Massoudou told news network France 24 in an interview Thursday that “we cannot accept it.” Bazoum also took to social media to express his defiance, saying “the hard-won gains will be safeguarded.”

The attempted coup has been met with widespread condemnation from Nigerien citizens and international leaders alike. Demonstrators have gathered to protest the detention of President Bazoum and call for a return to democracy.

“We call on all Nigerien democratic patriots to stand up as one to say no to this factious action that tends to set us back decades and block the progress of our country,” said one protester.

The situation in Niger remains uncertain as the nation awaits the outcome of the attempted coup. It is unclear if the military will be successful in overthrowing the democratically elected government or if the people of Niger will be able to restore their democratic rights.