The president of the african union Commission, Moussa Mahamat, has expressed his strong support for the ECOWAS decisions on Niger.
“The Chairman of the African Union Commission, HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, expresses his strong support for ECOWAS decisions on unconstitutional changes in Niger,” AU said in a press release.
ECOWAS on Thursday in the second emergency meeting held to discuss Niger called on the AU to back all the decisions it has taken on Niger.
The continental bloc of African states had initially given the coup leaders in Niger a 15-day ultimatum to restore constitutional order. The ultimatum expires tomorrow.
The junta also denied a joint AU, ECOWAS and UN team the opportunity to meet with the coup plotters.
Mahamat condemned the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family, describing it as an “illegal kidnapping” and “unacceptable.”
“The president of the commission questions the military authorities about the urgency of stopping the escalation with the regional organization, the distrust towards it and the continuation of the kidnapping of the president in worryingly deteriorating conditions,” the statement said.
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He called for the immediate release of Mr. Bazoum and all members of his family and the government.
ECOWAS on Thursday authorized the immediate deployment of its standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger.
However, at the same meeting, Nigerian President and ECOWAS Chairman Bola Tinubu called on his colleagues to continue dialogue with the coup leaders. However, ECOWAS ordered the activation and deployment of its reserve force, while negotiations continue.
Many Nigerians, including the parliament, have defended the use of diplomacy over the use of force.
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