Nigerien junta arrests 180 ministers, officials, says ousted ruling party
The new military rulers of Niger, who took over power in a coup last week, have detained at least l80 members of the ousted democratically elected administration, the previous ruling party said on Monday.
Energy Minister Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, Mines Minister Ousseini Hadizatou and the president of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), Foumakoye Gado, were among those detained, PNDS spokesman Hamid N’Gadé said.
He added that the coup plotters also detained Interior Minister Hama Adamou Souley, Transport Minister Oumarou Malam Alma, and his deputy, Kalla Moutari.
The “abusive arrests” were evidence of “the repressive, dictatorial and unlawful behaviour” of the military, Mr N’Gadé said.
On Wednesday, officers from Gen Omar Tchiani’s elite unit declared Niger’s democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum, of the PNDS, out of power.
Mr Tchiani then appointed himself as the new ruler on Friday.
Shortly afterwards, the coup plotters suspended the West African country’s constitution and dissolved all constitutional institutions.
The coup has been internationally condemned.
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS issued an ultimatum to the coup leaders on Sunday, saying that if Mr Bazoum was not released and reinstated within a week, ECOWAS would take measures that could include using force.
On Monday, the military governments of neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali warned ECOWAS against intervening.
A joint statement by the two transitional governments said that any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.
They said military intervention could have disastrous consequences that could destabilise the entire sub-region.
Burkina Faso and Mali are themselves ECOWAS members.
The European Union said it supported the ECOWAS measures, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said in a statement on Monday.
Mr Bazoum remains the sole head of state of the country, and any other authority cannot be recognised, Mr Borrell said.
Up until the coup, Niger, a former French colony, was seen as an anchor of democracy in the Sahel region, which has been ravaged by Islamist terrorism.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
