World leaders have united in condemnation of the Niger coup as an unconstitutional military takeover. The brazen display unfolded on national television as soldiers in full military attire announced the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum’s government.
The situation had been shrouded in uncertainty throughout the day, with members of Niger’s presidential guard surrounding the presidential palace and taking the president into custody.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the United States swiftly called for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, firmly denouncing any attempt to seize power through force, “I spoke with President Bazoum earlier this morning and made clear that the United States resolutely supports him as the democratically elected president of Niger. We call for his immediate release.” He added, “We’re actively engaged with the Niger government, but also with partners in the region and around the world, and will continue to do so until the situation is resolved appropriately and peacefully.”
The United Nations Secretary-General joined the chorus of condemnation, expressing deep concern over the Niger coup and the detention of President Bazoum by his own presidential guard. The Secretary-General urgently called for an end to any actions that undermine democratic principles in Niger.
France’s Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, added her voice to the global outcry, strongly condemning the use of force to seize power. She also emphasized the importance of regional bodies working together to restore the integrity of Niger’s democratic institutions.
Niger’s neighboring country, Algeria, also weighed in on the matter, expressing its deep concern over the unfolding events. The Algerian government firmly condemned the attempted coup, emphasizing its rejection of any unconstitutional changes and calling for an immediate end to the violence.
Meanwhile, the African Union made its stance clear, categorically denouncing the Niger coup. It called on both Nigeriens and Africans at large to unite in unanimous condemnation of the uprising and demand the immediate and unconditional return of the rebel soldiers to their barracks.
In response to the Niger coup, Benin’s President Patrice Talon embarked on a mediation mission, indicating the seriousness of the situation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, who heads the regional West African bloc ECOWAS, confirmed President Talon’s journey to Niger.
ECOWAS itself condemned the actions of the presidential guardsmen, labeling it an audacious attempt to forcibly unseat President Bazoum. The commission, which manages the programs of the 15-nation regional power bloc, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Niger’s democratically elected president.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, now leading the ECOWAS Commission, asserted that the regional bloc would stand resolute in preventing any attempt to destabilize Niger’s government. The European Union echoed its support for ECOWAS, condemning any actions that threaten Niger’s democracy and stability.
From the United Kingdom, Junior Foreign Minister Andrew Mitchell also expressed condemnation of the Niger Coup, emphasizing Britain’s commitment to upholding stability and democracy in Niger. The UK closely monitored the events in the capital and joined the African Union and ECOWAS in demanding an end to the unacceptable situation and the swift restoration of Niger’s democratically elected institutions.
