‘Betrayal of duty’ — AU condemns Niger ‘coup attempt’

The African Union (AU) has joined its voice in condemning what appeared to be a coup attempt in the Niger Republic.

TheCable reported a heavy military presence in the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger’s capital city, on Wednesday morning.

President Mohamed Bazoum was said to be held hostage by soldiers and was denied access to his office and residence — likely signs of a possible coup d’état.

Condemning the situation, President Bola Tinubu, who is also the ECOWAS chairperson, said the body will not tolerate acts that undermine democracy in the region.

Tinubu said the situation was being closely monitored, noting that ECOWAS was doing everything “within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region”.

Shortly after his statement, ECOWAS deployed Beninese President Patrice Talon to the Niger Republic over the unfolding tension in the country.

Meanwhile, Moussa Mahamat, the AU chairperson, also expressed “strong” displeasure with the development in the Western African country.

According to a statement issued by the AU, the attempt by certain members of the military to undermine the stability of democratic and republican institutions in Niger is tantamount to an attempted coup d’état.

Mahamat described the actions by members of the military as acting in betrayal of their republican duty and urged the army to immediately cease the unacceptable actions.

The AU chairperson also urged citizens of Niger, neighbouring countries, particularly in ECOWAS, and around the world “to join their voices in unanimous condemnation of the coup attempt, and for the immediate and unconditional return of the felon soldiers to their barracks”.