The African Peace Mission leaders have condemned the ousting of Niger’s President, Mohamed Bazoum, by the country’s military on Wednesday.
The mission comprises presidents of six African countries that which are Uganda, Congo, South Africa, Zambia, Senegal, Comoros, and Egypt, whose first objective is to persuade Russia and Ukraine to start talks aimed at ending the existing conflict.
News of Bazoum’s ousting was announced on State Television by Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, with nine other uniformed soldiers behind him.
He said: “We, the defence and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime, you know. This follows the continuing deterioration of the security situation and poor economic and social governance.”
“All external partners are asked not to interfere,” he went on. “Land and air borders are closed until the situation has stabilised.” He added a night curfew would take effect from 22:00 until 05:00 local time until further notice.
In a joint statement, the leaders who are currently in Russia participating in the second Russia-Africa Summit, the development is unlawful and undermines rule of law.
“We the African Heads of State leading Africa’s Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia condemn the coup detat in the Republic of Niger and call on the military establishment to ensure the safety of President Mohamed Bazoum,” the leaders state in a statement.
“We further call for the return of the military forces to their barracks and to ensure the speedy restoration of the democratic order in Niger.”
“We reject unlawful seizure of power by any group or individual as it undermines democracy, creates instability and reverses development in our continent,” they add.
The leaders say they support the position of ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations in their call for all parties to return to constitutional rule urgently and to refrain from further interference with the democratically elected government of the Republic of Niger.
Bazoum was elected in April 2021, taking the helm of a country burdened by poverty and chronic instability and plagued in recent years by jihadist insurgency.
In response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed unwavering support to President Bazoum, emphasising his importance as a Western ally in combating Islamist militancy in West Africa.
Similarly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered full support to President Bazoum in the midst of the political crisis. The situation has drawn international attention and concern for the stability of the West African nation.