Coup: Why We Overthrew Bazoum - Gen Tchiani

The leader of the military junta in Niger, General Abdourahmane Tchiani revealed the reason why the coup was carried out.

Tchiani said that the coup in which they overthrew President Mohammad Bazoum was well intended and was carried out to avert an imminent threat that would have affected not only the Niger Republic but also Nigeria. Speaking to a delegation of Nigerian Islamic scholars who visited him in Niamey, Tchiani said that he was disappointed that ECOWAS leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing a request to them to quit office. He said that the coup leaders were open to dialogue with ECOWAS and were willing to reinstate Bazoum if it would help to resolve the crisis. The Nigerian delegation, which was led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, also met with Niger's Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, who confirmed that the coup leaders were willing to negotiate with ECOWAS. Zeine hoped that talks between the two sides would take place in the coming days. The coup in Niger has raised concerns in Nigeria, which shares a long border with the country. Nigeria has already imposed economic sanctions on Niger and has threatened to use military force if the coup leaders do not step down. However, the Nigerian delegation's visit to Niger suggests that the government is open to a diplomatic solution to the crisis. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has also urged the Federal Government to focus on resolving its problems rather than declaring war on Niger. In a statement, the CBCN said that Nigeria is facing several challenges, including corruption, insecurity, and skewed appointments. The bishops said that the government should focus on addressing these problems, rather than starting a new war. The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has also advised the Federal Government to prioritize diplomacy over military force in dealing with the Niger coup. Obi said that dialogue is the best way to resolve the crisis and that military force would only lead to more bloodshed. The situation in Niger is fluid and it is unclear what the outcome will be. However, both Nigeria and Niger are interested in finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.