Following a coup earlier this week, the African Union gave military coup leaders in Niger 15 days to return to their barracks and restore constitutional power.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council issued the demand in a statement following a discussion on the situation in Niger on Friday.
The commander of Niger’s presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, declared himself the leader of a transitional government on Friday, two days after troops toppled President Mohamed Bazoum.
The Peace and Security Council “demands that the military return to their barracks immediately and unconditionally, as well as the restoration of constitutional authority, within a maximum period of fifteen (15) days,” according to a statement.
It voiced grave concern over the disturbing recurrence of military coups on the continent, saying they threaten democracy, peace, security, and stability, and reaffirmed its “zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.”
The statement requested the immediate and unconditional release of removed Bazoum and other inmates, threatening harsh measures, including fines against the culprits.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders are scheduled to gather in Nigeria on Sunday to examine the political situation in Niger.