Buhari ‘Shocked’ By Niger Coup, Says It Is ‘Unwanted’

 Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari expressed shock and concern over the recent coup in Niger Republic. In a statement on his Twitter handle, he described the developments in the West African nation as “unwanted.” Buhari, like millions of Nigerians, expressed worries about the fate of democracy and the safety of President Mohammed Bazoum and his family.

However, Buhari praised the response of West African leaders, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, who is also the current chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He expressed hope and prayers for a complete reversal of the situation and the safety of President Bazoum and his family.

France, Niger’s former colonial master, demanded the restoration of the government and refused to recognize the coup leaders, affirming Bazoum as the “sole president.” The coup has raised concerns both within Africa and the international community, with Kenyan President William Ruto calling it a serious setback for the continent’s aspirations for constitutional democracy.

To address the situation, West African leaders will meet in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to discuss the coup. ECOWAS and the international community have vowed to defend democracy and ensure democratic governance in the region. The European Union threatened to cut aid to Niger, condemning the coup as a serious attack on stability and democracy.

Since the coup, President Bazoum and his family have been confined to their residence at the presidential palace within the 700-strong Presidential Guard’s military camp.