The political crisis in Niger Republic has taken a tumultuous turn as the military junta in the country broke off ties with Nigeria following the collapse of peace negotiations by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
OSUN DEFENDER recalls that President Bola Tinubu sent a high-powered delegation to the country to meet with the coup leaders, on Thursday.
The delegation led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) only met with representatives of the junta.
Subsequently, Niger severed ties with Nigeria, Togo, France, its coloniser, and the United States.
“The functions of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger” to France, Nigeria, Togo and the United States are terminated,” Radio France International quoted one of the putschists to have said on national television.
ECOWAS had issued a seven-day ultimatum for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum to avoid possible clash with the junta.
On July 26, Niger’s ousted leader, Bazoum was detained by members of the Presidential Guard, and that evening, the military announced that it had seized power.
Two days after toppling the government of Bazoum, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, the commander of Niger’s presidential guard, declared himself the head of a transitional government.
In a statement by the White House on on Thursday, US President, Joe Biden called for the immediate release of Bazoum.
The American leader said the release is essential for defending fundamental democratic values, and standing up for constitutional order, justice, and the right of peaceful assembly, which are foundation to the partnership between Niger and the US.
“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy.
“The United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance,” he said in the statement.
