By Maureen Okon
The European Union (EU) on Friday condemned in the strongest term the coup d’etat in Niger, and described it as a disruption of the democratic process in the country.
The bloc said in a statement that the events of recent days constituted a serious attack on stability and democracy in Nigér.
“As ECOWAS pointed out in its latest press release, this coup is in total violation of the democratic principles on which the management of political power in the region is based.
“The EU reiterates its support for the action of the organisation in the sub-region and for the ongoing efforts to allow an immediate return to constitutional order.
“The EU calls for President Bazoum’s security and freedom of movement to be guaranteed unconditionally.
“Any breach of the constitutional order will have consequences for cooperation between the EU and Niger, including the immediate suspension of all budget support.
“We will remain in close coordination with the ECOWAS Heads of State.
“The EU stands with the people of Nigér and reaffirms its full commitment to strict respect for the rule of law, human rights, and international humanitarian law in Nigér,” it stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerien president was put under house arrest by soldiers at the presidential palace after which the military announced on television that it had taken over power from the Bazoum-led government.
The army later expressed support for the coup.
Across the country, tension remains high following protests by supporters of the coup and people loyal to the president.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu who is the Chairman of ECOWAS has condemned the military takeover and said a meeting of the sub-regional bloc would be convened to discuss the Niger question. (NAN)
