Niger Coup: AU points ultimatum as coup plotters stay defiant, threaten ECOWAS

The African Union Peace and Safety Council (AUPSC), on Friday, introduced a 15-day ultimatum for coup plotters in Niger to return to the barracks.

The council requested the “army personnel to right away and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, inside a most interval of fifteen (15) days from the date of the adoption of the current Communiqué,” the Council mentioned in its communiqué.

The council didn’t state what actions could be taken ought to the coup plotters not return to the barracks after 15 days.

Through the assembly convened nearly to debate the coup in Niger, members expressed deep concern over what they described as an alarming resurgence of army coups d’état which undermine democracy, peace, safety and stability within the Continent.

It condemned the coup, reiterating AU’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional adjustments of presidency whereas asking for the fast and unconditional launch of President Mohamed Bazoum and all different detainees, and respect for human rights, together with safety of their bodily well being and ethical integrity.

Moreover, the AUPSC warned that it’s going to take mandatory motion, together with punitive measures in opposition to the perpetrators, ought to the rights of political detainees not be revered.

READ  ALSO: Burkina Faso and Africa’s heritage of coups, By Owei Lakemfa

Members of the presidential guard on Wednesday led by Colonel-Main Amadou Abdramane, introduced they’d carried out a coup and closed all West African borders.

The coup follows the continual deterioration of the safety scenario and the dangerous social and financial administration, Mr Abdramane mentioned.

The AUPSC additionally counseled ECOWAS and President Bola Tinubu who will at this time convene a gathering of ECOWAS heads of states, whose consequence they sit up for.

Reaffirming its solidarity and help for Niger, it mentioned it can work in shut coordination with different regional actors.

Coup plotters defiant, threaten ECOWAS

Forward of the Sunday summit, the army leaders in Niger on Saturday night time warned, in a press release learn on Niger nationwide tv, in opposition to any army intervention.

“The target of the (ECOWAS) assembly is to approve a plan of aggression in opposition to Niger by an imminent army intervention in Niamey in collaboration with different African international locations which can be non-members of ECOWAS, and sure Western international locations,” junta spokesman Colonel Amadou Abdramane mentioned.

“We need to as soon as extra remind ECOWAS or every other adventurer, of our agency dedication to defend our homeland,” he mentioned.

The junta issued a second assertion on Saturday night time inviting residents within the capital to take to the streets from 7 a.m. native time (0600 GMT) to protest in opposition to ECOWAS and present help for the brand new army leaders.

Sunday’s ECOWAS assembly of heads of presidency will maintain within the Nigerian capital, Abuja. It’s going to even be attended by the president of Chad, which although isn’t an ECOWAS member, shares borders with Niger and Nigeria.

The army coup in Niger has been extensively condemned by its neighbours and worldwide companions who’ve refused to recognise the brand new leaders and have demanded that Mr Bazoum be restored to energy.

Mr Bazoum has not been heard from since early Thursday when he was confined inside the presidential palace, though the European Union, France, and others say they nonetheless recognise him because the official president.

The European Union and France have minimize off monetary help to Niger and the US has threatened to do the identical.