Niger’s newfound military leaders, who seized power in a coup earlier this week, have reportedly detained approximately 180 members belonging to the recently deposed democratic regime, according to a statement from the former ruling party on Monday.
Among those reportedly in custody include Foumakoye Gado, the president of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), as well as Mines Minister Ousseini Hadizatou and Energy Minister Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, revealed party spokesperson Hamid N’Gadé.
Further, N’Gadé stated that Transport Minister Oumarou Malam Alma, his deputy Kalla Moutari, and Interior Minister Hama Adamou Souley were also taken into custody by new military junta, as per reports from NAN.
N’Gadé criticized the arrests as “abusive,” characterizing them as a testament to “the repressive, dictatorial and unlawful behaviour” of the military junta.
In a shocking move last Wednesday, an elite unit led by General Omar Tchiani ousted Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, a member of the PNDS. By Friday, Tchiani had established himself as the new leader.
The coup leaders followed their takeover by suspending Niger’s constitution and disbanding all constitutional institutions, moves that have drawn international condemnation.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responded to the upheaval by issuing an ultimatum to the coup leaders on Sunday. ECOWAS demanded the release and restoration of Bazoum within a week, threatening possible military intervention.
The military regimes of Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger’s neighbours, issued warnings against such intervention on Monday. A joint statement from the two transitional governments equated any military action against Niger with a declaration of war against themselves.
SOURCE: Daily Post.
IMAGE: north african journal
