Breaking: Tension Rises in Niger Republic as Abdourahmane Tchiani Declares Himself New Leader
- General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of the mutinous soldiers who staged a coup earlier this week in Niger Republic, has declared himself the leader of the country
- Tchiani, 62, is a controversial general in the Nigerien army who rose through the ranks in the now-troubled nation
- Until he revolted against the sitting president in July 2023, Gen. Tchiani has been heading the presidential guards since 2015
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Niamey, Niger Republic - General Abdourahmane Tchiani, on Friday, July 28, declared himself the new leader of Niger after a dramatic coup.
Also known as Omar Tchiani, he staged a takeover which started on Wednesday, July 26, when the presidential guards unit he led seized the country's leader, Mohamed Bazoum, BBC reported.
Source: Getty Images
Abdourahmane Tchiani names self president of the National Council in Niger
Tchiani, head of Niger’s presidential guard, named himself head of a transitional government in the West African country, Al Jazeera also reported.
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He made the announcement on national television, saying he was the “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland”.
The 62-year-old also said the intervention had been necessary to avoid “the gradual and inevitable demise” of the country.
Furthermore, Tchiani criticised the government of Bazoum's alleged lack of cooperation with the military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso in combating Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region, a DW report noted.
Niger soldiers confirm coup, declare removal of President Bazoum on national television
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that soldiers in Niger Republic announced a coup on national television late Wednesday, July 26.
They were reported to have dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the nation's borders.
One of the rebel soldiers, Lieutenant Colonel Amadou Abdramane, said the army had decided to put an end to the administration of President Bazoum.
Guards detain Niger President Bazoum
Legit.ng also reported that President Bazoum was detained by guards inside the presidential palace in Niamey following an “ultimatum” by the army.
Sources said disgruntled members of the Presidential Guard sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices, adding that the guards “refused to release the president” after talks broke down.
Source: Legit.ng
