Describes This Week’s Coup As “An Affront” To Democracy
PHOTO: Pres. Weah of Liberia (left) and Niger’s new military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani
In a press statement issued in Monrovia today, Friday, July 28, 2023, the Liberian government of President George Manneh Weah has totally opposed to this week’s military coup in the West African state of Niger, condemning the disruption of constitutional rule.
On July 27, 2023, a group of soldiers have declared a coup in Niger, saying President Mohamed Bazoum has been removed from power, and that a nationwide curfew is in place.
In a statement read out on national television late on Wednesday, the soldiers said they had decided to “put an end to the regime that you know due to the deteriorating security situation and bad governance.”
Below is full text of the government’s press statement today:
GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA PRESS STATEMENT ON SITUATION IN NIGER
JULY 28, 2023
The Government of the Republic of Liberia has received with utter displeasure reports of attempts by elements of the military of the Republic of Niger to oust the constitutional and democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
This sad incident is reported to have begun Wednesday, July 26, when Liberia, one of Africa’s growing democracies, was commemorating its 176th Independence anniversary, signalling to the rest of the continent the benefits of democratic governance, rule of law and peace.
The Government of Liberia condemns in no uncertain terms this unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional action being perpetrated by elements of the armed forces of Niger and sees it as an affront to the democratic will of the peaceful people of Niger who chose their leaders in a democratic process.
The Government of the Republic of Liberia calls for the immediate withdrawal from the presidency, the military forces that have cordoned off the presidency and the unconditional release of President Bazoum and his family.
Liberia fully aligns itself with the position of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, the United Nations, and all friendly democratic governments condemning the event in Niger.
The Liberian Government has made it unequivocally clear that it stands opposed to any act of unconstitutional means of ascendency to power, while reiterating its zero tolerance to any and all forms of unconstitutional and undemocratic means of ascending to power.
Signed:____________
Ledgerhood Rennie
*MINISTER*