Share
Copied
The Niger military that seized power last week said on Monday that the toppled government had authorized France to carry out strikes at the presidency to try to free President Mohamed Bazoum.
The comments were made on state television by army Colonel Amadou Abdramane, one of the leaders of the coup. He said that the authorization was signed by Hassoumi Massoudou, the foreign minister in the deposed government.
Massoudou could not be reached for comment. France, Niger's former colonial ruler, has condemned the coup and urged Bazoum to be reinstated but has not announced any intention to intervene militarily.
Military leaders who seized power last week after blocking Bazoum inside his presidential palace have previously warned against foreign attempts to extract Bazoum, saying it would result in bloodshed and chaos.
The Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions and threatened force on Sunday if Niger's coup leaders failed to reinstate ousted President Mohammed Bazoum within a week.
Also on the same day, crowds in Niger's capital, Niamey, burned French flags and stoned the former colonial power's mission, drawing tear gas from police.
(Cover: Abdourahmane Tchiani and other army commanders held a meeting in the capital, Niamey, Niger, on July 28, 2023. /CFP)
(With input from Reuters)
Search Trends
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2023 CGTN. 京ICP备16065310号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2023 CGTN. 京ICP备16065310号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466