The African Union has asked the military junta in Niger Republic to “return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority” within 15 days after grabbing power in a coup.
The AU’s Peace and Security Council “demands the military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of fifteen (15) days”, it said in a communique following a meeting Friday on the Niger coup.
Au “condemns in the strongest terms possible” the overthrow of the elected government and its president Mohamed Bazoum, and expressed deep concern over the “alarming resurgence” of military coups in Africa.
The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu will Sunday host a special meeting of the regional leaders in Abuja.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, Dele Alake said President Tinubu has condemned the current political situation in the neighbouring country and 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.
“US Vice President Kamala Harris and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in separate telephone calls Thursday evening with President Tinubu affirmed the support of the US and UN for the position taken by ECOWAS and the Nigerian leader to restore constitutional order in Niger,” Alake disclosed.
Soldiers in Niger Wednesday announced a coup on national TV and promptly dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the nation’s borders.