Coup Plot Foiled In Niger

Bloomberg: Niger Arrests Officers Plotting Coup Ahead of February Election

* Senior military officials had worked on plan for weeks
* Accused wanted to use air force to seize power: president

Niger arrested senior military officers planning to use the nation’s air force to topple the government ahead of February’s presidential election, President Mahamadou Issoufou said.

The officers had been plotting for weeks, Issoufou, 63, said in a speech broadcast on state television. The president is seeking re-election next year, with the first round of voting scheduled for Feb. 21. Niger is the world’s fourth-largest producer of uranium, the material used to fuel nuclear power plants, and pumps crude oil.

“The government has thwarted an unfortunate attempt at destabilization,” Issoufou said. “The objective was to overthrow a democratically elected regime. They planned to use the firepower of air force assets."

WNU Editor: There is a huge U.S. military presence in the country that is used in counter-terrorism operations .... The Growing Importance Of Niger In U.S. Anti-Terrorism Operations .... in addition, Niger always plays a critical role in the war against Boko Haram. Any disruptions in Niger will in directly impact scores of its neighbours. Details are still vague on who the plotters are, but apparently they are senior military officers.

More News On Today's Coup Plot Foiled In Niger

Niger government foils coup attempt, president says on TV -- Reuters
Niger's president says coup plot foiled -- AFP
Niger President: Several Arrested After Aborted Coup Attempt -- AP
Niger’s President Says a Coup Is Stopped -- WSJ
Niger coup plot foiled - President Mahamadou Issoufou -- BBC
Niger government foils a military coup attempt -- DW