France Supports ECOWAS Efforts to Put End to Niger Coup

France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, met with Niger’s Prime Minister Hamadou Mohamedou, and Niger's Ambassador to France, Aïchatou Boulaïmane Kane, on Saturday.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that Minister Colonna reiterated Paris's full support for President Mohamed Bazoum and his government, which represent the only legitimate authorities in Niger.

The statement further elaborated that France "firmly supports and is determined to support the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in countering this attempted coup," emphasizing that "the future of Niger and the stability of the entire region are at stake."

ECOWAS has given the coup plotters a seven-day ultimatum to put an end to the ongoing events in Niger, with the deadline expiring tomorrow, Sunday.

France calls on those responsible for the coup to release President Bazoum and all members of his government and to immediately restore constitutional and democratic order in the country.