(VOVWORLD) - “It’s over for Bazoum. You should forget him. It’s over. Trying to bring him back to power is a waste of time,” said Insa Garba Seydou, a member of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland set up by Nigerien junta.
 EU countries have evacuated citizens from Niger. (photo: Reuters) |
In his first interview with the media on Friday, Insa Garba Seydou, confirmed that there will be no dialogue with the regional countries until they recognize the new president.
Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a spokesman for the coup leaders, said that the junta revoked 5 military cooperation agreements with France on August 3rd and the French military presence in Niger now is illegal.
On Saturday, more troops and combat equipment were transferred to Niamey. Hundreds of Nigerien people have moved out of the capital, fearing that the city will become a prime target of neighboring countries’ military intervention in Niger.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has postponed a meeting scheduled for Saturday to discuss Niger’s status.
The Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) on Saturday said it would send a parliamentary delegation to Niger to meet with the leaders of the junta.
In related news, the European Union on Saturday called for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger, and affirmed its support for ECOWAS's efforts. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said the coup has had negative impacts on the welfare and security of the Nigeriens as well as regional stability. The EU affirmed to continue providing humanitarian aid to Nigerien people.
A source close to President Mohamed Bazoum said that he was seen by his doctor for the first time on Saturday. The junta has held him, his wife, and his son in custody at his official residence in Niger's capital, Niamey, in poor condition of power and water cuts since July 26th.