Coup leaders in Niger allege that the ousted government permitted France to attack the presidential palace to free President Mohamed Bazoum. Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a key figure in the coup, asserted on state television that this permission was granted by the acting prime minister, Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou. France has refuted these claims, with Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna emphasizing the possibility of restoring Bazoum’s presidency. The coup, which has been condemned internationally, also saw several prominent figures arrested, while the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has demanded a return to power within a week.
  

Key Points: 

1. The coup leaders in Niger accuse the deposed government of authorizing a French assault on the presidential palace to rescue President Bazoum.
2. France denies these allegations and holds that restoring President Bazoum to his position is feasible.
3. After the coup, several key figures, including the oil, mining, and interior ministers, have been detained.
4. ECOWAS has called for the reinstatement of Bazoum within a week and has imposed strict sanctions, which could severely impact Niger’s economy.
5. Niger’s political history has been marked by instability, with four coups and numerous other attempts since its independence in 1960.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/31/niger-coup-leaders-say-toppled-government-authorised-french-strikes