PM Orban reacts to coup in Niger

Chaos reigns in Niger since soldiers removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power in a coup.

Niamey, 2023. július 27. Tûzoltók vízsugárral locsolja a felgyújtott autók roncsait Niger fõvárosában, Niameyben 2023. július 27-én. Egyhetes légtérzárat rendeltek el Nigerben, miután a puccsot végrehajtó Amadou Abdramane ezredes a fegyveres erõivel eltávolította Mohamed Bazoum elnököt a hatalomból. MTI/EPA Fotó: -

Viktor Orban was one of the first in Europe to declare full-fledged support for Nigerien President  Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed from power in a coup. Hungary's prime minister wrote on social media that

We are deeply concerned about the attempted coup de'Etat against the democratically elected President of Niger. Hungary condemns every attempt aimed at undermining peace and stability. We stand by Niger's President and pray for his well-being,

Viktor Orban added.

We are deeply concerned about the attempted coup d’Etat against the democratically elected President of Niger. Hungary condemns every attempt aimed at undermining the peace and stability of 🇳🇪. We stand by President @mohamedbazoum and pray for his wellbeing.

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) July 26, 2023

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former head of Niger's presidential guard, said the degradation of the security situation in the country led to the taking of power from President Mohamed Bazoum. He said that the measures taken so far have not made it possible to restore security in the country, despite the support received from abroad, including Nigeria. In a statement, coup leaders have warned against any foreign military intervention.

Alongside Mali and Burkna Faso, Niger is the third country in the Sahel region that has been regularly attacked by jihadist and terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, and that has seen a military takeover since 2020. Deposed Mohamed Bazoum has been detained in the presidential palace since Wednesday morning by his former presidential guards, who remain under the command of General Tchiani.

Cover photo: Firefighters spray water jets on the wreckage of cars set ablaze in  Niamey, Niger's capital, on 27 July  2023. A week-long airspace closure was imposed in Niger after Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, leader of the coup, and armed forces removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power (Photo: MTI/EPA)