The European Union has said that it does not and will not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch in Niger over the overthrown of the democratically elected Government by military forces.
According to the statement released by EU Spokesman, Namila Massrali on Friday, adding that the Nigerien President, Mohamed Bazoum was democratically elected, saying Bazoum is therefore remains the only legitimate President.
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in the Republic of Niger, the Army Staff, announcing the seizure of power by the Military Command of the Nigerien Armed Forces.
While the EU holds this putschists responsible for the President’s safety and that of his family. “His release must be unconditional and without delay”, the Union said.
The Commission further 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.
The European Union reiterated very clear calls for the full, complete restoration, without delay, of constitutional order and fully associates itself with declarations of ECOWAS, its African, 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. And we stand ready to support future ECOWAS decisions, including the adoption of sanctions”.
According to the EU, “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”, the European Union added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will host a special meeting of the regional leaders on Sunday, July 30th in Abuja over the Niger coup.
Tinubu as the Chairman of the ECOWAS, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday July 26, 2023, condemned the current political situation in the neighbouring country.
He promised that ECOWAS and the international community would do everything to defend democracy and ensure democratic governance continues to take firm root in the sub-region.
While the United States Vice President, Kamala Harris and United Nations Secretar-General, Antonio Guterres in separate telephone calls on Thursday affirmed the support of the US and UN for the position taken by ECOWAS and the Nigerian leader to restore constitutional order in Niger.