A coup d’état occured in Niger on July 26, 2023, spearheaded “by members of the presidential guard and the armed forces led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.”
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The coup led to the deposal of president Mohamed Bazoum who has only served the country for three years.
Bazoum was replaced immediately by a military junta known as “the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland”, also led by General Tchiani.
Bazoum had reportedly been detained in the presidential palace, together with his wife, Hadiza, and son, Salem.
The coup has so far been condemned by the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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Why did the military oust Mohamed Bazoum?
Bazoum was reportedly ousted for “high treason” and “undermining the country’s security.” He had also tried to sack Abdourahamane Tchiani, who has served as commander of the presidential guard for twelve years.
Photo Credit: CNN
Bazoum formerly served in various political offices, including as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Niger.
He was born on January 1, 1960, in Bilabrine, N’guigmi Cercle, French Niger, Bazoum had become president after a failed coup d’état attempt.
He is a member of the Arab minority Ouled Slimane people, and is the first Arab president in the history of Niger.
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