Niger’s President Mohammad Bazoum and Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou declared Thursday their rejection to the coup and stressed in two separate messages that they “still represent legal authorities” in the country.
Bazoum, detained by some members of the presidential guard in the capital, Niamey, said the gains made after a long period of struggle would be preserved, adding that all people of Niger who love democracy and freedom will be keen on these gains.
Meanwhile, Massoudou said legal authorities support Niger’s elected President Bazoum detained by some soldiers in the presidential residence, adding that Bazoum’s health is good.
There was a coup attempt and not all the army took part in it, he said, calling on the dissident soldiers to halt their movement.
Things could be achieved through dialogue, yet the institutions of the Republic should work, Massoudou noted.
He appealed to all people of Niger to stand together and reject this act, which seeks to hinder the country’s progress.
On Wednesday, Niger’s presidency announced that some members of the presidential guard held President Bazoum and his family inside the palace.
Bazoum was elected in 2021 as the first Arab leader of the country, which has faced four coups since its independent in 1960 from France, in addition to other failed attempts of coup.
Source: Kuwait News Agency