Mutinous Soldiers Attempt Coup d’etat in Niger, Sparking International Concern

On Wednesday, a mutinous group of soldiers attempted a coup d’etat in Niger, claiming to have overthrown the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The group, members of the Presidential Guard, surrounded the presidential palace and detained the president.

Colonel Major Amadou Adramane spoke on national television after the attempted coup, announcing the end of the government. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union both condemned the attempted coup, while the UN Secretary-General offered support to the apparently-detained leader.

In response to the attempted coup, Benin President Patrice Talon is heading to Niger on a mediation bid. ECOWAS head Jean-Claude Kassi Brou said the region was “deeply concerned” by the attempted coup.

The attempted coup in Niger is the latest in a series of political unrest in the region. The African Union has called for a peaceful resolution to the situation and urged all parties to respect the rule of law.

The future of the government in Niger is uncertain, as the mutinous soldiers have yet to make any further announcements. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and hoping for a peaceful resolution.