France has reassured its strong and firm support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to defeat the coup attempt in Niger and restore the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
This was stated by Mrs. Catherine Colonna, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, who received the Prime Minister of Niger, Mr. Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, at the Quai d’Orsay on August 5, 2023.
Mrs. Colonna, who was accompanied by the Ambassador of Niger to France, Mrs. Aichatou Boulama Kane, reaffirmed the French’s full support for President Bazoum and his government, who are the one and only legitimate authorities in Niger.
She said that France solemnly calls on those responsible for the coup attempt to release President Bazoum and all members of his government, and to allow the immediate return to constitutional and democratic order.
The minister also said that France supports the seven-day deadline given by ECOWAS to the coup plotters, which expires on Sunday, August 6. She stressed that the future of Niger and the stability of the entire region depend on the respect of the will of the Nigerien people, who elected President Bazoum in a free and fair election.
Mrs. Colonna also praised the courage and resilience of the Nigerien people, who have faced multiple security and humanitarian challenges in recent years. She assured that France will continue to stand by Niger in its fight against terrorism and poverty, and in its efforts to promote development and democracy.
She said that France and Niger share a long-standing friendship and a common vision for peace and prosperity in Africa.
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