The European Union (EU) has called on the coup plotters in Niger to vacant office and return government to democratically elected representatives, insisting that the government they formed would never be recognized.
The EU also announced its readiness to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to impose severe sanction on Niger should the coup plotters not hand back power to duly elected officials, stressing that their action is without consequences.
The EU, in a statement on Saturday by High Representative Josep Borrell said:
“The EU does not recognize and will not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch in Niger. President Bazoum was democratically elected; he is and therefore remains the only legitimate President of Niger.”
Borrell added that: “His (Bazoum) release must be unconditional and without delay. The EU holds the putschists responsible for his safety and that of his family.”
The EU High Representative said: “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 reiterates its very clear calls for the full and complete restoration, without delay, of constitutional order and fully associates itself with the declarations of ECOWAS and its African and international partners in this regard.”
He disclosed that: “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.”
He said: 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.”
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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