The United Nations and the British Government have called on actors involved in coup plotting against the Niger Republic President, Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday to restraint their exercise and ensure protection of constitutional order.
UN Secretar-General, Antonio Guterres in a statement attributed to his Spokesman said the United Nations is following closely the situation in Niger, condemned in strongest terms any effort to seize power by force and to undermine democratic governance, peace and stability in the country.
Earlier today the Nigérien President twittered that elements of the Presidential Guard engaged in an anti-Republican mood movement and tried in vain to obtain the support of the National Armed Forces and the National Guard.
It added that the military was standing ready to “attack the elements” behind the mutiny “if they do not return to better feelings.” The fate of President Mohamed Bazoum, was unclear, although the presidency said that he was safe.
British Minister for International Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell said in a statement that the UK is closely monitoring events taking place in Niger’s capital and condemned in the strongest possible terms any attempt to undermine stability and democracy in the country.
Adding that the UK joins the African Union and Economic Community of West African States in their calls to end the unacceptable events seen today, and to ensure the full and swift restoration of Niger’s democratically.
European Union High Representative, Joseph Borell in statement against the coup plot, reaffirmed full support for Nigerien President Bazoum and EU’s conviction that Niger is an essential partner of the Union in the Sahel.
The destabilization of which would not serve the interests of anyone, either in the country, or in the region and beyond, not only ongoing efforts against terrorist movements, but also the political and civil upheaval at work in Niger, which would suffer greatly.
Stating that the Union fully associates itself with the African Union, the Commission and the Chairmanship-in-Office of ECOWAS in strongly condemning this attack on democratic institutions and this attempt to destabilize the country.