In a dramatic turn of events, coup leaders in Niger have issued a rallying call to the nation’s citizens, urging them to prepare for the defense of the homeland. The move comes after the expiration of a deadline set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had demanded the swift restoration of democratic governance in the country.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the long-standing head of the Presidential Guard since 2011, took to state television to declare himself as the leader of the newly formed National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. This proclamation signals a consolidation of power among the coup leaders, as they appear poised to defy international pressures to relinquish control.
As the world holds its breath, the fate of Niger hangs in the balance. Will the citizens heed the call to defend their homeland, or will the pressure from ECOWAS and the international community push the coup leaders to reconsider their course of action? The coming days will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of this crisis and determine whether Niger can find a path back to democratic governance.
