Niger: France firmly supports ECOWAS’ efforts to thwart the coup
France, through the voice of Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, stated on Saturday that it firmly and determinedly supports the efforts of ECOWAS to thwart the coup attempt in Niger.
This statement comes on the eve of the expiration of the ultimatum set by the West African bloc, which says it is ready to intervene militarily.
France has expressed its support for the intervention plan formulated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in preparation for possible military action in Niger if overthrown president Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated, stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, August 5.
“France firmly and determinedly supports ECOWAS’ efforts to thwart this coup attempt. The future of Niger and the stability of the entire region are at stake,” said the Quai d’Orsay in a statement.
The Ministry did not specify whether France would provide military support to ECOWAS in the event of intervention. Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna received Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou at the Quai d’Orsay on Saturday and reiterated France’s full support for President Mohamed Bazoum, added the Ministry.
#Niger | Minister @MinColonna received Prime Minister of Niger Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou to assure him of France’s unwavering support for the country’s legitimate constitutional authorities. ECOWAS, AU, UN and EU unanimously demand immediate return to order… pic.twitter.com/sD6IdvkWZY
“France solemnly calls on the perpetrators of this coup attempt to release President Bazoum and all members of his government and to allow for an immediate return to constitutional and democratic order,” said the Quai d’Orsay. The Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Armed Forces has formulated a plan for possible military intervention in Niger if President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated by Sunday.
Reuters
