In Niger, former rebel leader and politician, Rhissa Ag Boula, has initiated the Council of Resistance for the Republic (CRR), opposing the military junta that seized power on July 26.
This marks the first internal challenge to the junta in this key Sahel nation. The CRR aims to reinstate the detained President Mohamed Bazoum.
Ag Boula’s statement asserted: “Niger is the victim of a tragedy orchestrated by people charged with protecting it.”
Amid halted diplomatic efforts to reverse the coup, the junta denied access to both African and UN envoys, while Mali and Burkina Faso, both supporters of the coup appealed to the UN against military interference.
Truetells Nigeria had earlier reported that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday will deliberate on potential forceful actions.
Ag Boula’s CRR supports ECOWAS and international entities striving to restore Niger’s constitutional order.
Notably, Ag Boula had significant roles in past Tuareg uprisings. His influence among the Tuaregs, powerful players in Niger’s northern commerce and politics, may pose concerns for the junta.
The international community, including the U.N and ECOWAS member states like Nigeria, urged the junta to reinstate the previous civilian government, especially given Niger’s role as a major uranium producer.