On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, expresses deep concern about the political situation in Niger following the coup d’etat on Wednesday 26 July 2023.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the military takeover and calls for the release of President Mohamed Bazoum. He urges all the parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint in the face of this political crisis and to ensure that the best interests of the nation and the people of Niger prevail, by giving priority to diplomatic channels.

H.E. Mr Chikoti supports the position of the African Union (AU) and by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and their efforts with a view to securing the return to constitutional order in Niger.