ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has issued a plea to the U.S., European Union (EU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the international community, urging them to intervene and restore him as the legitimate leader of Niger.
The call comes in the aftermath of a military coup led by Brigadier-General Abdourahamane Tchiani, during which Bazoum was held captive by the junta regime.
In a thought-provoking op-ed published in The Washington Post, Bazoum underscored the current state of turmoil in Niger, with democracy having been forcefully overthrown.
“In our hour of need, I call on the U.S. government and the entire international community to help us restore our constitutional order”, said the 63-year-old politician, who claimed he is one of hundreds of citizens who have been “arbitrarily and illegally imprisoned” in the aftermath of the coup.
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He added: “Fighting for our shared values, including democratic pluralism and respect for the rule of law, is the only way to make sustainable progress against poverty and terrorism. The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history.”
Meanwhile, Bazoum praised the “remarkable” actions by the American government, the EU, the African Union (AU), and ECOWAS to condemn the coupists that removed him from power, detaining him and arresting hundreds of others.
Recall that immediately after the coup, ECOWAS held an emergency meeting in Abuja, where decisions were made to impose several sanctions, including closing land borders across the West Africa axis and imposing a no-fly zone on Niger.
The military junta were given a one-week ultimatum to release Bazoum and reinstate him as the president or face more stringent actions, including force and military intervention if necessary.