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Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Demonstrators and coup supporters burn down French Flags during military coup in Niger Republic.
The coup attempt in Niger is not yet “final,” France’s Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Friday.
Both France and detained Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum had previously stressed that not all soldiers had participated in or supported what Bazoum called a “coup bid.”
“If you hear me talking about an attempted coup, it’s because we don’t consider things final, there is still a way out if those responsible listen to the international community,” Colonna said while on a diplomatic visit to Papua New Guinea in the Pacific.
DW West Africa correspondent Olisa Chukwumah said it remains unclear who has control in Niger.
France sees Bazoum as a key ally in the Sahel region, and it has stationed 1,500 troops in the country to combat Islamist insurgents.
Niger gained independence from France in 1960. It is one of the poorest countries in the world and has long been a key source of uranium for its former colonizer.
According to BBC, police fired tear gas to disperse those who had gone to PNDS Tarraya party headquarters, where people were also stoning and burning cars.
“Public demonstrations for any motive whatsoever remain prohibited until further notice. The state will ensure that the law is enforced,” read a statement by the interior ministry.
“These actions, which were perpetrated by lawless individuals, constitute acts of vandalism and wickedness and will not be tolerated,” it added.
The ministry called on the security forces to protect the public and their property.
The United Nations also said it has suspended its humanitarian operations in Niger, after soldiers announced the overthrow of the country’s elected president.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held captive by military officers.
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