The National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland, headed by the commander of the guard, General Abdurahman Tchiani, announced its refusal to release deposed President Mohamed Bazum and retake his powers.
Earlier, General Tchiani said that his country does not want war, but will be ready to defend itself if necessary. According to him, the ECOWAS countries do not realize that Niger has become “the key to contain the destabilization of the region in the context of increased terrorist activity.”
The general added that the sanctions imposed against Niger will not help find a solution to the current situation. Tchiani emphasized that he and his supporters do not seek to seize power in the country, but to reach a solution that satisfies the interests of the people.
Meanwhile, the previous day, an ECOWAS delegation had arrived in Niger, despite the ban on negotiations, and demanded that the military that had seized power in the country release President Mohamed Bazum. It was emphasized that the release of the detained head of state is one of the main demands of the organization. The meeting with the president took place, but its details were not disclosed.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Peace and Community Security, Abdel Fatau Musah, said that ECOWAS had set a date for the start of the military intervention in Niger. However, Musakh refused to say so, adding that all possible actions that are necessary for the implementation of the intervention have been agreed.
Let us remember that at the end of July, the Nigerien military announced the suspension of the powers of the President of the Republic, Mohamed Bazum. The head of the guard, Abdurakhman Chiani, proclaimed himself the new president. According to him, the cause of the incident was corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
