Many countries and regional organizations continue to express their views on the situation in Niger and are ready to take necessary measures.
| Supporters of the military coup set fire to the French embassy in Niger. (Source: Reuters) |
On July 30, a spokesperson for the government of the Republic of Chad confirmed that on the same day, President General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno had arrived in Niger to help resolve the crisis in the neighboring country following the coup. According to spokesperson Aziz Mahamat Saleh, the leader's visit to the capital Niamey was "to assess what he can bring to the table to resolve the crisis." This trip was undertaken at the initiative of the Republic of Chad.
For their part, within the framework of the emergency summit on July 30 in Abuja (Nigeria) concerning the situation in Niger, the leaders attending the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ) decided to impose financial and travel sanctions on the military leadership that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.
The leaders of ECOWAS and the eight countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union could also expel Niger, sever Niamey's links with the regional central bank and financial markets, and close its borders.
The bloc demanded the “immediate release and restoration” of power to the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The joint statement read: “If the demands on the (Nigerian military) authorities are not met within one week, (ECOWAS) will take all necessary measures to restore constitutional order in Niger. These measures may include the use of force. To achieve this, the chiefs of staff of the ECOWAS member armies will immediately convene.”
On the same day, the Elysee Palace issued a warning that France would retaliate against any attack targeting its citizens, military personnel, diplomats, or interests in Niger. Paris condemned the violence that erupted around its embassy in Niger, where a coup had taken place earlier in the week, and demanded that local authorities protect the diplomatic mission building.
The French Foreign Ministry stressed: “Nigerian forces have an obligation to ensure the security of our diplomatic missions and consulates under the Vienna Convention,” and condemned “any acts of violence against diplomatic missions.” The ministry stated: “We call on them to fulfill this obligation immediately.”
Earlier, thousands of protesters supporting the military government had gathered outside the French embassy in Niamey, Niger's capital, after Paris suspended aid due to the coup in the West African nation.
Also on July 30, the UK announced it had condemned the activities undermining democracy, peace, and stability in Niger. At the same time, London would stand alongside ECOWAS in efforts to restore stability to the West African nation. Affirming its status as a partner of Niger's democratically elected government, the UK called on the military forces to immediately reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum to restore constitutional order.
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