On the occasion of Niger’s 66th republic Day, Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani addressed the nation on December 18, highlighting the significant progress the country has made since the military coup on July 26, 2023.
Tiani stated, “What we have succeeded in doing is proving that Niger can stand up.”
He emphasized that since the coup, Niger has “bravely and successfully confronted terrorism,” continued paying salaries to civil servants, and ensured sovereign expenditures. Additionally, he noted, “Niger has managed to survive without foreign aid.”
The Nigerien leader criticized the “neo-colonial corset” and defended the country’s fight for independence and sovereignty. Tiani also expressed support for the establishment of the AES, which aims for the country’s transformation into a federation in the near future. He declared that the decision to leave ECOWAS was now “irreversible,” stating that it had been made after long and careful consideration.
Finally, Tiani asserted that “neo-colonial powers and determined enemies defending their interests” were developing a strategy against Niger, condemning the actions of some Nigeriens involved in undermining the state for harmful purposes.
