EU vows to support measures adopted by West African bloc against Niger coup

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The EU on Monday vowed to support any measures adopted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the recent coup in Niger.

The bloc "will support them (measures) rapidly and resolutely," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement after an ECOWAS Summit on Sunday.

The EU joins the strong condemnation expressed by the heads of state of the sub-region against the "unacceptable" putsch, he said, underlining that elected President Mohamed Bazoum remains the sole head of the state of Niger.

"Any authority other than his cannot be recognized," he said, demanding Bazoum's immediate release and reinstatement.

Borrell rejected all accusations of foreign interference in Niger, saying the bloc would hold the coup leaders responsible for any attack on civilians, as well as diplomatic personnel or facilities.

Last week, a group of soldiers calling themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country delivered a statement on Nigerien state TV shortly after detaining Bazoum, saying they took the step due to the "deteriorating security situation and bad governance."

Bazoum was elected in 2021 in Niger's first democratic power transition since it gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960.