St. Petersburg (New Ziana) – The African Union (AU) on Thursday condemned the military coup in Niger and called for the immediate restoration of civilian constitutional rule in the country.
The army, led by the Presidential Guard, toppled President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday, accusing his government of corruption and failure to tackle an insurgency in some parts of the mineral-rich country.
It announced a military take-over of government, the latest in a series in West Africa in recent years.
But, speaking here at the Russia-Africa Summit, AU chairman President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, condemned the move, and said the continental body would not recognise the new rulers in Niger.
He urged the army to return the country back to constitutional rule immediately in the security interest of Niger, and the West African region as a whole.
“We are disturbed by what is happening in Niger, and condemn it. We urge all sides to preserve peace, and bring back constitutional order in the country as soon as possible,” he said.
“The AU and other regional bodies are willing and prepared to assist in mediating and returning the country to constitutional order,” President Assoumani said.
The coup is the latest in a string in West Africa in recent years, all sparked by protracted armed insurgencies linked to Islamic uprisings.
This has seen governments in Mali and Burkina Faso toppled by their militaries in a space of a few years.
The AU does not recognise military changeover of governments.
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