EU, UN , African Union mount pressure on Niger coup leaders

The European Union and the United Nations Security Council have mounted pressure on Niger coup leaders, while the African Union has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the military to return to the barracks.

Members of Niger's presidential guard removed elected President Mohammed Bazoum from power and took him into custody on Wednesday. Two days later, the head of the Presidential Guard Abdourahamane Tiani named himself the country’s new leader.

Condemnations swelled from African Union and international organizations, as well as Niamey's Western allies, the European Union, and the United States.

The EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borell announced the suspension of security cooperation with Niger coup leader on Saturday, saying that the bloc would not recognize “the authorities from the putsch in Niger.”

"All cooperation in the security field is suspended indefinitely with immediate effect" in addition to the end to budgetary aid, he said.

“President Bazoum was democratically elected; he is and remains the only legitimate President of Niger. He must be released unconditionally and without delay.”

Borrell said the EU was ready to support future decisions taken by West Africa's regional bloc, "including the adoption of sanctions.”

“This unacceptable attack on the integrity of Niger’s republican institutions will not remain without consequences for the partnership and cooperation between the European Union and Niger, in all its various aspects,” Borell said.

The United Nations Security Council also joined the chorus of international condemnation of the power grab, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Bazoum.

Presidential guard head declared as Niger leader following coup

General Abdourahamane Tchiani has been named the new leader of Niger following a military takeover.

The 15-member council stressed the need to protect Bazoum, his family, and members of his government.

It also “expressed concern over the negative impact of unconstitutional changes of government in the region, increase in terrorist activities and the dire socio-economic situation.”

The African Union on Saturday issued a 15-day ultimatum to Niger coup leaders calling on them to "return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority." 

The regional bloc’s Peace and Security Council "condemns in the strongest terms possible" the overthrow of the elected government and President Bazoum, and expressed deep concern over the "alarming resurgence" of military coups in Africa.

Meanwhile, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said he will host leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to discuss the coup on Sunday.

French President Emmanuel Macron was also due to chair a meeting of his Defense and National Security Council on the coup on Saturday afternoon, the presidency said.

Macron described the coup as "dangerous" for the region earlier on Friday.

France, Niger's former colonial power, has 1,500 soldiers in the country, while the United States has around 1,000 troops on the ground.

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