A former Tuareg insurgent-turned-tourism minister in Niger says his new political party will aim to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Bazoum has been detained at his home since members of the presidential guard took power two weeks ago.
“It’s about restoring constitutional equality. We are trying to mobilize people in Niger and we are also trying to mobilize regional organizations and get them to help us restore the president to power,” stated Rhissa Ag Boula.
If Ecowas is serious about defending democracy, then they should intervene
Rhissa Ag Boula
Mr. Boula was a leader in two Tuareg ethnic insurgencies in the country, one in the 1990s and the other from 2007 to 2009.
Today, he claims most people in Niger don’t back the uprising against the president and argues that regional powers must take robust action.
“We have the majority of the population, the majority of people Niger believe in democracy – they believe in the values of democracy and of the republic and they want a return to peaceful order,” said Boula.
“There is only one legitimate government. We [the Council of the Resistance for the Republic] as a civil society group are supporting that government, and we want it to be restored to power. The international community should help us do that,” he added.
“We are asking Ecowas to take responsibility for security regionally. There’s been this contagion of coups and it’s got to stop. If Ecowas is serious about defending democracy, then they should intervene,” Boula argued.
‘Stubborn and taciturn’ leader
Gen Tchiani declared himself the head of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. The council was set up by the military junta after Tchiani seized power on 26 July.
Meanwhile, his former boss languishes under house arrest. Mr Bazoum has been in sporadic telephone contact with international leaders but he is otherwise isolated.
Gen Tchiani has, so far, rejected all suggestions of compromise. He has kept most international envoys at bay. He howevert gave an audience to Nigeria’s ex-central bank governor and former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi.
Gen Tchiani is certainly living up to his reputation as stubborn and taciturn.
He was not at the huge rally the junta organised in Niger’s capital Niamey on Sunday. He has only appeared on TV on three occasions since the coup, and has spoken twice – once to present himself as Niger’s new leader and once to make an Independence Day address.
