Niger rebels say France is preparing an operation to free the president

France is preparing a military operation to free the ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazum. About it declared the official representative of the National Council for the Salvation of the Motherland (CNSP), created by the rebels, Colonel Amadou Abdraman.

The statement quoted by the ONEP agency said that France “with the assistance of some Nigerians” held a meeting at the General Staff of the National Guard of Niger “to obtain the necessary political and military permits.” Abdraman also cited a document allegedly signed by and. O. Prime Minister Hassumi Massoud.

“I authorize the French partner to strike within the presidential palace in order to free the President of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazum, who was taken hostage,” CNSP said in a statement. In addition, permission to attack the presidential palace was allegedly given by the commander of the Niger National Guard, Colonel Midou Giray.

On July 30, the Elysee Palace released a statement by French President Emmanuel Macron in which he threatened response to the country in the event of attacks on the Republic and its interests in Niger. According to BFM TV, Macron made the announcement amid a demonstration in front of the French embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey. It is noted that some protesters wanted to go inside, others tore off a sign that read “French Embassy in Niger” and replaced it with the flags of Russia and Nigeria.

On July 27, the Niger military announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazum and the closure of the country’s borders. At the same time, a nationwide curfew was announced and the activities of all institutions of the republic were suspended. The next day, the commander of the Niger Presidential Guard, General Abdurahaman Tchiani, announced that he had headed the National Council for the Defense of the Homeland (CNSP). Tchiani noted that the military seized power in the country due to deteriorating security, as well as economic and social problems.

The UN Security Council later called on the rebels to release the country’s democratically elected president. The statement also refers to the need to protect the president’s family. As reported by AFP, the African Union gave the participants in the coup in Niger 15 days to restore constitutional power in the country.