General Abdourahmane Tchani, who led the recent coup in Niger, stood firm against calls for the reinstatement of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
In a televised address on Wednesday,, he criticizing the sanctions imposed by West African leaders, labelling them as “illegal” and “inhumane.”
He rallied his fellow countrymen, urging them to prepare for the defense of their nation.
Remaining resolute, Tchani declared, “We reject these sanctions entirely and will not succumb to any threats, regardless of their source. We adamantly oppose any external interference in Niger’s internal matters.”
He went on to call for unity among the people of Niger to counter those seeking to inflict suffering and destabilize the country.
The televised address coincided with a meeting of ECOWAS defense chiefs in neighbouring Nigeria, convened to address the unfolding crisis in Niger.
ECOWAS has implemented stringent economic sanctions and threatened the use of force if President Bazoum is not reinstated by August 6.
Additionally, a delegation led by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar was dispatched to negotiate with the military leaders who orchestrated the coup.
Meanwhile, in Niamey, the capital of Niger, hundreds gathered at Independence Square in a pro-coup demonstrations, with many waving Russian flags.
As tensions escalate, world leaders have weighed in on the situation. United States President Joe Biden demanded the immediate release of Bazoum and his family, while reaffirming support for Niger’s democracy.
Russia also expressed concern, and Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin appeared to show tacit approval for the coup, further highlighting the international implications of Niger’s political turmoil.
