President Bola Tinubu has issued a warning of “serious repercussions” if Niger’s military government allows the health of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to deteriorate while under house arrest, according to a European official’s statement on Friday.
During a conversation with EU chief Charles Michel, the Nigerian leader, who also chairs the ECOWAS regional bloc opposing the Niger coup, expressed concern over the worsening conditions of President Bazoum’s detention.
An earlier statement incorrectly attributed the warning of “grave consequences” to Michel, but it was clarified that this statement was made by Tinubu during the call.
President Bazoum, aged 63, was detained on July 26 by members of his presidential guard, marking the fifth coup in Niger since its independence from France in 1960. He and his family are currently held at the presidential palace.
During the call, President Tinubu emphasized the determination and political commitment of ECOWAS to take unified action. Despite the economic impact of the sanctions on some regional countries, ECOWAS plans to maintain them.
EU chief Charles Michel reiterated the EU’s full support for ECOWAS’s decisions and firmly condemned the unacceptable coup in Niger. The EU refuses to recognize the authorities that emerged from the coup and reaffirms that President Bazoum, who was democratically elected, remains the legitimate head of state of Niger.
The statement also stressed that any further deterioration in President Bazoum’s well-being would have serious consequences, as conveyed by President Tinubu.
