French President Emmanuel Macron condemned what he described as a "serious" military coup in Niger on Friday and stated that he is working with regional leaders in the Sahel region to defend democracy there. Macron, speaking from Papua New Guinea, called for the "release of President Mohamed Bazoum," noting that "France will support regional organizations if they decide to impose sanctions on the coup leaders." He added that "this coup is entirely illegitimate and extremely dangerous for the people of Niger, the state of Niger, and the entire region."
For its part, the French Foreign Ministry announced in a statement on Friday that France does not recognize the leaders who emerged as a result of the military coup in Niger and that Mohamed Bazoum is the only legitimate president of the country. The ministry stated, "We strongly reiterate the international community's clear demand for the immediate restoration of the constitutional order and democratically elected civilian authority."
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Friday that "the usurpation of power in Niger is not final, and those responsible still have time to meet international demands to reinstate the president." Colonna pointed out in a statement to reporters that "the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will likely meet on Sunday and may discuss imposing sanctions."
She noted that "Macron spoke to Bazoum today, and he is in good health; he must be released as a condition for restoring constitutional order." President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger is being held in the presidential palace, and it is still unclear who is managing the country's affairs after soldiers announced a coup on Wednesday evening, sparking widespread condemnation.
