The rebels who staged a coup in Niger are holding six ministers, including Finance Minister Ahmat Jidoud and Planning Minister Rabiu Abdou, according to the Party for Democracy and Socialism in the Republic of Niger, the ousted president’s party.
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Earlier it was reported that the rebels detained oil minister Mahamana Sani Mahamada, mining minister Useini Hadizata, interior minister Hamu Amadou Suli and transport minister Umaru Malam Alma. In addition, the leader of the party of the President of the country “Party for Democracy and Socialism in the Republic of Niger” Furmakoye Gado was detained.
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“Since July 26, 2023, the President of the Republic, Mohamed Bazum, and members of his family have been held hostage by the Presidential Guard. Other political figures are also being illegally held, including … Finance Minister Ahmat Jidoud and Planning Minister Rabiu Abdou,” the party said in a statement.
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Earlier, the military of Niger, during a speech on national television, said that President Mohamed Bazum was removed, the borders were closed, and a curfew was announced. Before that, the military of the presidential guard blocked the presidential palace in the capital of the country, Niamey. Bazum’s office claimed that the army did not support the rebels, but later the command of the Armed Forces declared solidarity with them. Bazum is fine and feels good, said Musa Faki Mahamat, chairman of the African Union commission. The commander of the presidential guard, General Abdurahman Tchiani, appeared on state television in Niger on July 28 as the head of the “National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland” formed by the coup participants.
