The European Union (EU) has condemned the coup in Niger Republic “in the strongest terms”, saying the events of recent days constitute a serious attack on stability and democracy in the West African nation.
Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was forced to resign after members of the elite Presidential Guard blocked entry to his apartment and offices on Wednesday.
The coup leaders in Niger declared on Thursday that they had broad army support and asked for calm, while former colonial power France stressed the apparent putsch was not “final.”
However, the EU, in a statement issued by the High Representative on Friday, agreed with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in condemning the coup.
“This coup is in total violation of the democratic principles on which the management of political power in the region is based,” the statement said.
“The EU reiterates its support for the action of the organization in the sub-region and for the ongoing efforts to allow an immediate return to constitutional order.”
The European Union called for Bazoum’s security and freedom of movement to be guaranteed unconditionally, adding that any breach of the constitutional order would have consequences for cooperation between the EU and Niger, including the immediate suspension of all budget support.
“We will remain in close coordination with the ECOWAS Heads of State,” the EU added.
“The EU stands with the people of Nigér and reaffirms its full commitment to strict respect for the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law in Nigér.”