Liberia, ECOWAS Call Niger’s Full Military Takeover an Attempted Coup, Condemns Action of Military

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia has labeled the recent full military takeover in Niger as an attempted coup. The incident occurred on July 26, coinciding with Liberia’s 176th Independence anniversary, when the democratically elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, was overthrown by members of the very presidential guard tasked with protecting his office at the palace.

Liberia’s response mirrored that of ECOWAS, denouncing the action of the Nigerien Presidential Guard and calling for the prompt return of civilian rule in the country.

In an official statement issued by the Liberian Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism on Friday, the Liberian government expressed its strong disapproval of the attempts by elements within the Nigerien military to overthrow the constitutionally elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

The statement further emphasized that such unlawful and unconstitutional actions were contrary to the democratic will of the people of Niger, who had chosen their leaders through a democratic process.

“The Republic of Liberia has received with utter displeasure reports of attempts by elements of the military of the Republic of Niger to oust the constitutional and democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum,” said the statement issued by Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie on Friday.

“The Government of the Republic of Liberia calls for the immediate withdrawal from the presidency, the military forces that have cordoned off the presidency and the unconditional release of President Bazoum and his family.”

Meanwhile, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader responsible for the coup declared himself as the head of state during a televised address, garnering support from the soldiers who backed him. Tchiani, who leads Niger’s presidential guard, justified his actions by stating that the country could no longer continue with existing approaches and needed a new direction to confront its challenges.

The situation in Niger has drawn international concern, with France and the European Union (EU) threatening sanctions and denouncing the coup. President Bazoum’s administration was considered a key ally in the fight against jihadist groups in the volatile Sahel region, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea and has been grappling with ongoing security challenges and military regimes.

The coup has left the future of Niger uncertain as the constitution and other institutions have been dissolved by the coup leaders. President Mohamed Bazoum’s democratic election marked a historic moment for Niger, being the first time an elected leader had succeeded another since the country gained independence in 1960.

Niger’s strategic significance in the fight against extremism and its position as a bulwark against further disorder and expanding Russian influence in the Sahel had garnered attention from Western nations. However, the recent coup has now raised doubts about the country’s stability and the regional efforts to combat the jihadist threat.