The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) had strongly condemned the military coup in Niger and the subsequent overthrow of the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
The Council expressed on Saturday its deep concern at the worrying resurgence of military coups undermining democracy, security, peace and stability in the continent.
The Council stressed its zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of governments.
It demanded the military to return immediately and unconditionally to their barracks and return the legitimate authority within 15 days of the issuance of the council’s statement.
The council demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum and other political detainees and respect for their rights.
It also pledged to take all necessary measures, including punitive measures, against perpetrators of violations.
For his part, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday pledged to ensure a full return to democratic rule in Niger, shortly after the military took over the country.
During the second telephone conversation in days, Blinken emphasized to President Muhammad Bazoum that “the United States will continue to work to ensure the full restoration of constitutional order and democratic governance in Niger,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.
The EU, through its foreign policy chief, Joseb Borrell also condemned “any attempt to destabilize democracy and threaten stability in Niger.
As foreign policy chief Josep Borrell put it, the EU condemned “any attempt to destabilize democracy and threaten stability in Niger.
The EU decided on Saturday to immediately suspend all security cooperation with Niger, following the coup in the African country.
In the same vein, the EU decided to withhold Niger’s budget support after the military coup.
According to Borrell, the EU does not recognize and will not recognize the authorities resulting from the coup in Niger.
Borrell demanded the unconditional release of Niger’s President Bazoum and blamed the putschists for his safety.
