The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned “efforts to change the legitimate authority of Niger in an unconstitutional manner,” calling for the immediate and unconditional release of elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

In a statement agreed upon unanimously, the Council, consisting of 15 members, stressed the need to protect Bazoum, his family and members of his government.

“The members of the Security Council expressed their concern about the negative impact of the unconstitutional changes of governance in the region, the increase in terrorist activities and the deteriorating social and economic situation,” the statement said.

African countries, Western powers, and regional and international organizations had expressed their concern about the coup in Niger, and insisted on Bazoum’s release and the restoration of constitutional order. The European Union and the United States also threatened to cut off support for Niger, which mainly receives Western security aid.

For its part, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that it will hold an emergency summit in Nigeria on Sunday to discuss the situation in Niger.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency