In July 2024, Niger's military junta declared July 26th as an annual national holiday to celebrate the "patriotic actions of the Nigerien people", according to a presidential order.
The day marks the anniversary of the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum. Bazoum is still being detained by the military junta led by former head of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tiani.
On taking power, Tiani justified the coup by the "continual degradation of the security situation" in the country under the Bazoum administration.
The holiday is in order to "commemorate, each year, the highly patriotic actions of the Nigerien people for the affirmation of their sovereignty and independence," said the presidential order that was signed on Monday.
