AU demands Nigerien military restore constitutional authority within 15 days

The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on Saturday demanded the Nigerien military restore constitutional authority within 15 days, reported Xinhua.

In a communique it published following a meeting Friday on the Niger coup, the AUPSC said it demands that the Nigerien military personnel immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of 15 days.

"The AUPSC demands the immediate and unconditional release of President Mohamed Bazoum and all other detainees, and respect of human rights, including protection of their physical health and moral integrity," the communique stated.

The AUPSC also commended the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional bloc, to resolve the crisis in Niger.

Earlier on Friday, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, former leader of Niger's presidential guard, was named "president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland" following a military takeover in the West African country, state television reported.

Soldiers in Niger announced Wednesday in a press release broadcast on state television that they had overthrown Bazoum. The Nigerien president has been in detention ever since the coup happened.

Bazoum assumed office in 2021 after winning the elections. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger has witnessed four coups.