EU To Niger Coup Plotters: ‘Restore Ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum’

The European Union (EU) has said it would not recognise Niger’s putschists who seized power last week.

It also said it was suspending security cooperation with the restive West African nation.

Recall that members of the elite  Presidential Guard had detained President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger inside his palace in the capital, Niamey, early on Wednesday, July 26th.

The military, through its Spokesman, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, on Wednesday night, announced on state television that it had overthrown the government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Niger’s army has also backed the defence and security forces that overthrew President Bazoum despite his defiant stance.

Army Chief of Staff, Abdou Sidikou Issa in a statement on Thursday, July 27th said the decision was necessary to “avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces”.

The EU in a statement issued on Saturday by its chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, said “The European Union does not recognise and will not recognise the authorities from the putsch in Niger.

“All cooperation in the security field is suspended indefinitely with immediate effect,” in addition to the end of budgetary aid, he added.

Bazoum “remains the only legitimate president of Niger,” the statement said.

It called for the President’s immediate release and also hold the coup leaders to account for the safety of him and his family.

Borrell said the EU was ready to support future decisions taken by West Africa’s regional bloc, “including the adoption of sanctions”.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Niger’s powerful presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tiani on Friday, July 28th, declared himself leader after staging a takeover that began on Wednesday.

In other news, Kanyi Daily reported on a brief profile of General Tiani who seized power after the military coup in the jihadist-hit country.