Niger junta arrests ministers, over 100 ruling party members as Russia reacts

The military junta in charge of Niger has detained five government ministers and several party officials.

Soldiers guarding President Mohamed Bazoum announced the overthrow of his government last week after detaining him.

About 130 members of the ruling party have so far been arrested, the ruling party said, according to the BBC.

The ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-Tarayya) said several high-profile officials have been arrested following the coup d’état.

The party said Oil Minister Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, Mining Minister Ousseini Hadizatou, and PNDS-Tarayya Secretary-General Fourmakoye Gado are all being held.

The oil minister is the son of former president Issoufou Mahamadou.

The party also said that Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum, Transport Minister Issoufou Issaka, and Deputy Amadou Mahamane Dan Galadima have been detained.

The PNDS-Tarayya called the arrests “repressive and dictatorial” and called on citizens to come together to protect democracy.

– Russia reacts

West African regional bloc ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger, including a halt in all financial transactions and a national assets freeze. The bloc has also said that it could authorize force to reinstate Bazoum.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby traveled to Niger on Sunday to try to mediate between the coup leaders and the ousted government.

Later, the junta accused France of planning to forcefully release President Bazoum. It had previously warned against foreign intervention, saying it would result in bloodshed.

There are concerns amongst western powers that Niger, a key ally in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel, may pivot towards Russia after the coup. Neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso became closer to Russia after their coups in over the last two years.

On Sunday, supporters of the junta burned French flags and attacked the French embassy in the capital Niamey. Some displayed Russian flags.

In its first public response, the Kremlin expressed concern on Monday over the situation in Niger.

In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “what is happening (in Niger) is a matter of serious concern”, according to Reuters.

“We are in favour of the speedy restoration of the rule of law in the country, we are in favour of restraint on all sides so that this does not lead to human casualties,” Peskov said.