The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the political and security situation in the Republic of Niger following an attempted coup in the capital, Niamey, urging the country’s authorities and citizens to work towards restoring constitutional order.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the position known in a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, and signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
The statement came after mutineers, on Saturday, August 29, attempted to seize power from the military junta led by Abdourahamane Tchiani. The fighting lasted for several hours, but Tchiani’s government remained in control.
The mutineers reportedly took the authorities by surprise, seizing control of Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101 in Niamey.
They also attempted to breach the fortified perimeter of the presidential palace, while state television and radio broadcasts were briefly disrupted.
Footage seen by our reporter showed armed soldiers, tactical armoured vehicles and troops deployed across parts of Niamey. The mutineers also reportedly took control of the paratroopers’ camp and other positions around the airport.
In a statement issued from the air base, the mutineers claimed that Tchiani was no longer head of state. The statement, issued under the name Armed Forces for the Restoration of the Fatherland, also announced the dissolution of the constitution, closure of the country’s borders and restrictions on movement.
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The attempt was eventually unsuccessful, with Tchiani’s administration remaining in power.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria said instability in Niger could have serious consequences for the wider region, given the two countries’ shared border and longstanding social and cultural ties.
“The Government of Nigeria views with deep concern the current political and security situation in the Republic of Niger,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Nigeria said it remained interested in seeing peace, security, democracy and development restored in Niger, noting that stability in the neighbouring country would have direct implications for Nigeria and the wider Sahel.
“It notes that, as a neighbour with which it shares close historical, fraternal and cultural bonds, the Federal Government of Nigeria is keenly desirous to see that peace, security, democracy and development reign supreme in the country.”
The Federal Government warned against resolving political disagreements through force, saying such actions could undermine regional efforts to achieve stability.
“Any resort to the use of force to settle political differences detracts from this objective,” it stated.
Nigeria subsequently urged Niger’s government and citizens to pursue a broad-based political resolution.
“It therefore urges the government and people of Niger to work together towards an inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the interest of the country, regional peace and stability,” the ministry said.
The latest crisis adds another layer to the political and security instability that has followed the military takeover in Niger, with developments in the country continuing to carry significant implications for Nigeria and the wider West African region.