Niger coupists detain Bazoum’s men

The new military rulers in Niger Republic have detained at least l80 members of the ousted democratically elected administration, the previous ruling party said. Energy Minister, Mahamane Sani Mahamadou; Mines Minister, Ousseini Hadizatou and the president of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, Foumakoye Gado, were among those detained, PNDS’ spokesman, Hamid N’Gadé, said. […]

Niger coupists detain Bazoum’s men

This video frame grab image obtained by AFP from ORTN – Télé Sahel on July 26, 2023 shows Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane (C), spokesperson for the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) speaking during a televised statement. – Soldiers claimed on July 26, 2023 to have overthrown the government of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum in a statement read out on national television, after a day in which the leader was detained in his official residence. (Photo by – / ORTN – Télé Sahel / AFP)

The new military rulers in Niger Republic have detained at least l80 members of the ousted democratically elected administration, the previous ruling party said.

Energy Minister, Mahamane Sani Mahamadou; Mines Minister, Ousseini Hadizatou and the president of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, Foumakoye Gado, were among those detained, PNDS’ spokesman, Hamid N’Gadé, said.

He said Interior Minister, Hama Adamou Souley; Transport Minister, Oumarou Malam Alma and his deputy, Kalla Moutari, were also detained by the coupists.

The “abusive arrests” were evidence of “the repressive, dictatorial and unlawful behaviour” of the military, N’Gadé said.

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Meanwhile, France will soon begin evacuating its citizens from Niger, according to the French Foreign Ministry.

It said it would also evacuate other Europeans who wanted to leave the country, a former French colony.

About 500 to 600 French citizens are in Niger.

Italy will fly its citizens out of Niger on a special flight, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Twitter.

He said that its embassy in the Nigerien capital Niamey would remain open.