France does not consider “definitive” there “attempt” coup d’etat in Niger, where putschist soldiers sequester the president “democratically elected” Mohamed Bazoum, said Friday, July 28 the French Minister of Foreign Affairs. Catherine Colonna mentioned “possibilities of exit if those responsible for this attempt hear the message of the international community”.
Emmanuel Macron spoke several times to his counterpart Mohamed Bazoum, including “we demand release”, she reported to the press. The Nigerian President “says he is in good health and we not only wish him to be released but to release him and his family in complete safety as a prerequisite for the return to constitutional order”urged the minister.
“The legitimate and recognized president”
In Niamey, the army on Thursday gave its support to the putschist soldiers, who accused France, whose 1,500 soldiers are in Niger, of having violated the border closures by landing a military plane at the international airport of Niamey. Niamey. They called “once and for all to strict compliance with the provisions” taken by the junta.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) “demands the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum who remains the legitimate and legal president of Niger recognized by ECOWAS”. According to the head of French diplomacy, “ECOWAS has explained itself with the greatest clarity”.
After Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger, hitherto allied with Western countries, becomes the third country in the Sahel, undermined by attacks by groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, to experience a coup State since 2020.