Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum is in good health after being detained by his own presidential guard, according to France’s foreign minister.
The coup was not “final,” according to Catherine Colonna.
She stated that Mr. Bazoum had communicated with Emmanuel Macron and that the coup plotters had a “way out” if they listened to the international community.
On Thursday, supporters of the ousted president’s party invaded the party’s offices.
They set fire to it, stoning and torching automobiles outside. The small group of arsonists had broken away from a bigger demonstration outside parliament in support of the coup leaders, where Russian flags were shown.
The army has now backed the forces that arrested Mr Bazoum on Wednesday. Russia has joined other countries and the United Nations in demanding his release.
The 64-year-old Niger president was elected two years ago and has been a crucial Western ally in West Africa’s war against Islamist extremists.
Both the United States and France, the country’s previous colonial power, have military bases in the uranium-rich country and have harshly criticized the coup.
Mr Bazoum was summoned by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who promised Washington’s “unwavering support.”
The United Nations (UN) has announced the suspension of its humanitarian operations in Niger. It is unknown whether the suspension was caused by the coup.
According to the UN, more than four million people in Niger require humanitarian assistance.
Mr Bazoum’s release was sought “immediately and unconditionally” by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday.
Mr Bazoum tweeted a defiant statement on Thursday morning: “The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it.”
His foreign minister has also attempted to rally support and encourage dialogue, but the army chief of staff has stated that he supports the coup in order to avoid violence within the armed forces.
Because the junta has not named a leader, it is unknown who is in charge of Niger.
State television has been replaying the late-night coup declaration, intermingled with patriotic music and Quranic verses, and the customary lunchtime news briefing has not been broadcast.
However, in the city, Niamey, stores and marketplaces reopened, and coup supporters took to the streets following delays caused by heavy rain early in the morning.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the National Assembly carried Russian flags, while others held handwritten banners reading “Down with France” and “Foreign bases out.”
