ECOWAS condemns ‘attempted coup’ in Niger

The Economic Community of West African States, Wednesday condemned in strong terms “attempted coup d’état in Niger.

In a statement posted on its website, the regional body called on the “coup plotters” to free the democratically elected president, Mohammed Bazoum.

“ECOWAS has received the news of an attempted coup d’Etat in Niger with shock and consternation. ECOWAS condemns in the strongest terms the attempt to seize power by force and calls on the coup plotters to free the democratically- elected President of the Republic immediately and without any condition.

“ECOWAS and the international community will hold all those involved in the
plot responsible for the security and safety of the President, his family, members of the government and the general public.”

The PUNCH reports that Niger, a landlocked West African state has so far experienced four coups since independence from France in 1960 as well as numerous other attempts on power.

Access was sealed off both to President Bazoum’s official home and offices in the presidential complex in Niamey.

Bazoum was democratically elected in 2021.

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