Niger: President Mohamed Bazoum calls on international community for help after coup

Niger’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has called on the “entire international community” to help “restore … constitutional order” following the coup last week. 

Writing in the Washington Post, Bazoum said he was writing “as a hostage” and issued a warning that the region could fall further under Russian influence – via the Wagner Group which operates in neighbouring countries. 

On Thursday, the coup leaders said they were withdrawing the country’s ambassadors from France, the US, Nigeria and Togo. 

In his article, Bazoum warned the coup, if it succeeded, would have “devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world”.

“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,” Mr Bazoum wrote.

“The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history.”