President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, says EU supports the decisions made by ECOWAS and welcomes its active involvement in ensuring a swift reinstatement of President Bazoum.
The EU chief stated this on her verified Twitter handle on Monday.
Von der Leyen said the EU and Niger share deep ties developed over decades, adding that the unacceptable attack on the democratically elected government puts these ties in jeopardy.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also welcomed what he called the strong leadership of ECOWAS to “defend constitutional order in Niger” and said the United States joins calls for the immediate release of Bazoum and restoration of Niger’s democratically elected government.
MUST READ: ECOWAS to use force to reinstate ousted Niger President, Mohamad Bazoum
Leaders of the coup have said they acted last week in response to what they described as a worsening security situation in Niger and the government’s lack of action against jihadists.
In a statement on Monday, the military junta accused former colonial ruler France of wanting to use military action to free Bazoum.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
