EU rejects putschists in Niger, demands immediate release of detained leader

The European Union (EU) says it does not recognize and will not recognize the leaders of the putsch who claim to have seized power in the Niger Republic and considers detained President Mohamed Bazoum the country’s legitimate leader.

This was contained in a statement by the EU High Representative Josep Borrell on the latest developments in Niger.

“The European Union does not recognize and will not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch in Niger,” Borrell said.

“President Bazoum was democratically elected; he is and therefore remains the only legitimate President of Niger. His release must be unconditional and without delay.

“The EU holds the putschists responsible for his safety and that of his family.”

Borrell said that the announcement by the putschists of the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of democratic institutions weakens the State and the people of Niger, whose peace, stability and security must be preserved.

He stated further that the European Union reiterates its very clear calls for the full and complete restoration, without delay, of constitutional order and fully associates itself with the declarations of ECOWAS and its African and international partners in this regard.

“In coordination with the President of the European Council, I will continue this weekend the numerous contacts already underway in order to achieve this result,” Borrell added.

“And we stand ready to support future ECOWAS decisions, including the adoption of sanctions.”

According to Borrell, this unacceptable attack on the integrity of Niger’s republican institutions will not remain without consequences for the partnership and cooperation which binds the European Union and Niger, in all different aspects.

“In this regard, in addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the security field are suspended sine die with immediate effect,” he said.

France has also said it does not recognise the leaders of the putsch who claim to have seized power in Niger and considers detained President Bazoum the country’s sole leader.

The French foreign ministry said this in a statement on Friday. “Bazoum, democratically elected by the people of Niger, is the only president of the Republic of Niger.

“France does not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch led by General (Abdourahamane) Tchiani.”

It added that France “reaffirmed in the strongest terms the clear demands of the international community calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and democratically-elected civilian government in Niger.”