Johannesburg – The Pan-African Parliament has expressed concern at the unfolding situation in Niger where members of the presidential guard are holding President Mohamed Bazoum and his family hostage in an attempt to wrestle power.
The President of the Pan-African Parliament, Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, on Thursday, said he “notes with grave concern the unfolding situation in the Republic of Niger, which has all the trappings of an attempted coup by a section of the military”.
A communique from the Pan-African Parliament said: “The President condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the brazen attempt to undermine the sovereign will of the people of Niger by attempting to forcefully overthrow a democratically elected government.
“He calls for the immediate and unconditional release of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family and urges the military conspirators to return to the barracks.
“His Excellency, the President, reiterates the Pan-African Parliament’s commitment to representative democracy and the rule of law and reaffirms the Continental Parliament’s solidarity with the government and people of Niger.
“He calls for global condemnation of all attempts to undermine democracy, peace, and stability in Niger.”
Niger has a long history of military coups since its independence from France in 1960 however in recent years it had been less politically unstable.
When Bazoum came to office in 2021, it was the country’s first democratic power transfer.
Meanwhile, CNN reports on a video communique in which a man identified as Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane and flanked by several apparent soldiers, announced: “We have decided to put an end to the regime that you know”.
Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane cited a deteriorating security situation in the country and “poor economic and social governance.” as the reason for seizing power.
He said national institutions had been suspended and the country’s land borders were temporarily closed, he also said, appearing to read from a text on the table before him.
CNN reports that United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he “strongly condemns… the unconstitutional change of government in Niger” and called for “an immediate end to all actions undermining democratic principles in Niger.”
