AU Calls For United Voice Against Niger Coup

The Chairman of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, has called for a united voice against the military takeover by some military men in Niger.

The military men announced they have toppled the country’s democratically elected government and suspended its constitution on Wednesday, July 26.

In a swift response, the AU condemned their action as “unacceptable” and urged a return to democratic rule.

“Informed of an attempt by certain members of the military to undermine the stability of democratic and republican institutions in Niger, which is tantamount to an attempted coup d’état, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, strongly condemns such actions by members of the military acting in total betrayal of their republican duty.”

It furthered, “The Chairperson further calls on the people of Niger, all their brothers in Africa, particularly in ECOWAS, and around the world, to join their voices in unanimous condemnation of this coup attempt, and for the immediate and unconditional return of the felon soldiers to their barracks.”

The news came to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with shock and consternation and received a sharp condemnation from the West African bloc as well.

It also called for the release of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum who is reported to be in their custody since Wednesday morning and noted that the military will be held accountable for the security of the President.

Niger is the latest African country to record a coup after Chad, Mali, Guinea, Sudan and Burkina Faso.

In 2021, there was a failed coup attempt in Niger.