The European Union (EU) Saturday underlined that it “does not and will not recognize the authorities resulting from the coup in Niger ” after the head of the presidential guards unit General Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself Niger’s new leader.
“President Mohammed Bazoum was democratically elected; he is and therefore remains the only legitimate President of Niger. His release must take place unconditionally and without delay,” said EU High Representative Josep Borrell in a statement.
The 27-member bloc reiterated its call for the full and complete restoration of constitutional order without delay and said it fully associates itself with the statements the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its African and international partners in this regard. “We stand ready to support the forthcoming decisions of ECOWAS, including the adoption of sanctions,” he said.
Borrell announced that in addition to the immediate cessation of EU budget support to Niger, all cooperation actions in the security field are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect.
Source: Kuwait News Agency