Mohamed Bazoum is the President of Niger. He was elected as the President of Niger in the presidential elections held in December 2020. Mohamed Bazoum was inaugurated as the 7th President of Niger on April 2, 2021.
Before becoming President, Mohamed Bazoum had a long political career in Niger. He served in various government positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for the Interior. He is a member of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-Tarayya) and has been a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape.
As President, Mohamed Bazoum faces significant challenges, including security issues in the region, economic development, and addressing issues related to poverty and governance. His presidency is closely watched both within Niger and internationally as the country navigates various political, economic, and social issues.
Soldiers in Niger claimed to have removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power late on Wednesday, hours after members of the presidential guard detained the politician at his official residence.
In a statement broadcast on national television, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane said that “the defense and security forces … have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with”.
“This follows the continuous deterioration of the security situation, the bad social and economic management.”
The soldier said the country’s borders were closed and a nationwide curfew was in place. All institutions of the country were also suspended, he added.
Abdramane was seated and flanked by nine other officers wearing fatigues as he read out his statement. The group, which is calling itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, warned against any foreign intervention.
It was unclear where the president was at the time of Abdramane’s announcement or if he had resigned.
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