Reps condemn Niger coup, call for speedy return to democracy

The house of representatives has condemned the coup d’état in Niger Republic.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution condemning the coup during the plenary session on Thursday following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Julius Ihonvbere, the majority leader.

TheCable reported how Amadou Abdramane, a colonel-major, announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from office in a late-night address on Wednesday.

Abdramane dissolved the country’s constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the borders.

“We, the defence and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime of President Bazoum,” Abdramane said while being flanked by fellow soldiers.

While moving the motion, Ihonvbere said the coup in the West African country violated the country’s constitution, protocols of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as well as globally accepted commitment to peace, democracy and democratisation.

Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over plenary, said the parliament stands on the side of democracy.

“It is the position of the house that we are frowning at the incident in Niger,” he said.

“The parliament is raising their voice and saying this ought not to be and based on that. Our position is on the side of democracy.”

The motion was unanimously adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Kalu.

The house subsequently asked President Bola Tinubu and heads of state in ECOWAS  to “use all means within their powers to ensure a speedy return to democratic governance in Niger”.

The coup is the latest and the fifth the West African country has witnessed, as well as numerous coup attempts since it gained independence from France in 1960.

Other West African countries — Mali, Guinea Bissau and Burkina Faso — have also experienced coups in recent years.