Breaking News: Military coup d’etat underway in Niger, West Africa
On Wednesday Niger’s military officers stormed the presidential palace in the capital of Niamey, ousted the president, and assumed control of the government.
Defenders of Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, gather to show their support for him in the capital, Niamey, on Wednesday. Photo: Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
What is happening?
Soldiers within the presidential guard have forcibly removed President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021. The military declared the coup on national television, closed the country’s borders, and put a nationwide curfew into place. This is the fourth military coup in the West African country of Niger since its independence from France in 1960. (Read more about the situation in Niger.)
What is the background of Niger?
Niger is the largest landlocked country in West Africa and four times larger than Spain. Its population of 26 million is 98 percent Muslim and lives within one of the world’s harshest climates: the Sahara Desert. Extremist violence outside of the capital has added to the unrest in recent years. Although Niger is one of the world’s least developed countries, its culture is one of generosity and hospitality.
Is the CURE Children’s Hospital of Niger still open?
CURE’s hospital in Niamey remains open with limited services.
The protection of staff and patients is of the utmost importance, and we are working with the management team at the hospital to provide support.
CURE Niger, the country’s first and only charitable children’s hospital, has been providing Christ-centred, surgical care for children with treatable disabilities since 2010. In addition to world-class medical care, our team ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and their communities.
How can I pray?
Please pray for peace and stability within Niger and the surrounding countries.
Please pray for the safety of Niger’s people—for the children, families, and communities affected by the coup.
Please pray for our nearly 100 colleagues at CURE Niger as they serve and comfort the patients and families currently under their care.
CURE remains committed to serving Niger’s children, especially those living with disabilities who are the most vulnerable, the most in need, and the most likely to be overlooked during a conflict. Thank you for your prayers and support in this most important mission.