EU Insists Niger Coup Plotters Would Never Be Recognised

*Joins ECOWAS In Imposition Of Severe Sanctions*

The European Union (EU), adamant that the government they established would never be recognized, has urged the coup plotters in Niger to vacate their positions and hand back power to democratically elected officials.

In addition, the EU stressed that if the coup plotters did not return power to properly elected officials, it was ready to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to impose severe sanctions on Niger.

The EU, in a statement on Saturday by High Representative Josep Borrell, said:
“The EU does not recognize and will not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch in Niger. President Bazoum was democratically elected; he is and therefore remains the only legitimate President of Niger.”

Borrell added that: “His (Bazoum) release must be unconditional and without delay. The EU holds the putschists responsible for his safety and that of his family.”

The EU High Representative said: “The announcement by the putschists of the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of democratic institutions weakens the State and the people of Niger, whose peace, stability, and security must be preserved.

“The European Union reiterates its very clear calls for the complete restoration, without delay, of constitutional order and fully associates itself with the declarations of ECOWAS and its African and international partners in this regard.”

He disclosed: “In coordination with the President of the European Council, I will continue this weekend the numerous contacts already under to achieve this result. And we stand ready to support future ECOWAS decisions, including the adoption of sanctions.”

He said: This unacceptable attack on the integrity of Niger’s republican institutions will not remain without consequences for the partnership and cooperation which binds the European Union and Niger, in all different aspects. In this regard, in addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the security field are suspended sine die with immediate effect.”