2023-08-05 16:25:17
Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, Prime Minister of Niger, in Paris, August 5, 2023. ADRIENNE SURPRENANT / MYOP FOR “THE WORLD”
Appointed prime minister of the Nigerien government in April 2021, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, 68, was in Rome when soldiers took power in Niamey on Wednesday July 26. Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, who refused to resign, is still being held in the presidential residence.
Read also: Article reserved for our subscribers In Niger, the risk of an unprecedented military confrontation between the countries of West Africa
While all diplomatic attempts have remained in vain, the soldiers of the West African bloc announced on Friday August 4 that they had defined the outlines of a “Possible military intervention, including the necessary resources, but also how and when we will deploy the force”. A few hours before the end of the ultimatum set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for Mr. Bazoum to be reinstated, The world met Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou in Paris.
The ultimatum issued by ECOWAS expires on Sunday evening. What is your state of mind ?
I remain optimistic because I know how much Nigeriens value democracy and the stability of their country. A happy ending is still possible. As you know, in any negotiation, anything can happen until the deadline is met. The last minutes are crucial.
For ten days, President Mohamed Bazoum has been sequestered and can therefore no longer lead Niger. Are you still his prime minister?
Of course, since Mohamed Bazoum is still President of Niger.
Do you have any news from him?
I got it yesterday [vendredi] on the phone. He is doing well, even if he remains a hostage of the junta. The treatment reserved for him is far from satisfactory, since a form of blackmail is exercised on him so that he yields. It is isolated and few people have access to it. They cut off his electricity and water. It is a dramatic situation and it is worrying.
Does he plan to leave power?
He was elected by an overwhelming majority [M. Bazoum avait obtenu 55,75 % des voix au second tour du scrutin présidentiel de février 2021]. He has a mandate from the people of Niger. Does he have a reason to quit? I don’t see any. What keeps him going is knowing that he has the support of a large part of the population. Just because he’s being held by someone who was supposed to keep him safe doesn’t [le chef des putschistes, Abdourahamane Tiani, dirigeait la garde présidentielle] that he must give up.
Several rallies in favor of the putschists have taken place in Niamey in recent days. How do you explain that the support of the elected president did not manifest itself more?
You have 75.44% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.
#coup #whim