France Rejects Coupists in Niger Republic, Supports Detained Leader

Bazoum and his family have been confined to their apartment in the presidential palace, which is located within the Guard’s military barracks, since Wednesday.

The French foreign ministry stated Friday that France does not acknowledge the leaders of the putsch that claims to have seized power in Niger and considers jailed President Mohamed Bazoum to be the country’s sole leader.

Bazoum was “democratically elected by the people of Niger” and is “the only president of the Republic of Niger,” according to a statement. “France does not recognise the authorities established as a result of General (Abdourahamane) Tchiani’s putsch.”

France also “reaffirmed in the strongest terms the clear demands of the international community calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and democratically-elected civilian government in Niger.”

Tchiani, the Presidential Guard’s commander since 2011, issued a statement on national television as the “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland” on the third day of Bazoum’s detention.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who had intended to make Bazoum a close partner in the jihadist-infested Sahel area, had previously described the coup as “completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger, and for the whole region.”

Bazoum and his family have been confined to their apartment in the presidential palace, which is located within the Guard’s military barracks, since Wednesday.

He is claimed to be in good condition and has spoken on the phone with several leaders of state, including Macron.

Earlier, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna expressed optimism about Bazoum’s position, saying, “If you hear me talking about an attempted coup, it’s because we don’t consider things final.”

AFP