MOSCOW, Aug 4 column published in the Washington Post, asked the United States and the international community to help restore constitutional order in the country.
Bazum noted that he wrote this material while being held hostage by the putschists.
«In this difficult moment, I urge the US government and the entire international community to help us restore constitutional order… The people of Niger will never forget your support at this turning point in our history,» the publication says.
Bazum calls Niger «the last bastion» human rights against the backdrop of authoritarian movements that have gripped other countries in the region. «This coup attempt is a tragedy for the people of Niger, and its success would have devastating consequences far beyond our country,» the president wrote.
Earlier, the Niger military, during a speech on national television, said that President Mohamed Bazum was removed, the borders were closed declared a curfew. Before that, the military of the presidential guard blocked the presidential palace in the capital of the country, Niamey. Bazum's office claimed that the army did not support the rebels, but later the command of the Armed Forces declared solidarity with them. Bazum is fine and feels good, said Musa Faki Mahamat, chairman of the African Union commission. Commander of the Presidential Guard, General Abdurahman Tchiani, appeared on state TV in Niger on July 28 as the head of the «National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland» formed by the coup participants.