Germany has issued a stern warning to the military rulers of Niger, indicating the possibility of European sanctions unless they return the nation to its constitutional order. The German Foreign Ministry released a statement through its official communication channel, X (formerly known as Twitter), expressing its support for regional initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis in Niger. The ministry outlined its primary objective as reinstating the constitutional framework.
In the official statement, the German Foreign Ministry conveyed, "Germany supports the regional efforts to resolve the crisis in Niger. Our goal is to restore the constitutional order."
Highlighting its stance, the ministry elaborated, "After having suspended development & security cooperation, we are in favor of EU sanctions against the leaders of the coup as a next step."
This announcement by Germany follows a series of diplomatic engagements. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock engaged in telephone conversations with key international counterparts, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in recent days.
The current crisis in Niger stems from the declaration by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former commander of Niger’s presidential guard, who proclaimed himself as the head of a transitional government following the military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The West African bloc, ECOWAS, denounced the military takeover that occurred in July and has consistently urged the military rulers to refrain from prosecuting the ousted president. In addition, ECOWAS activated a regional standby force with the potential to intervene and restore constitutional order in Niger.
Germany's firm stance and consideration of potential sanctions underscore the international community's commitment to upholding democratic norms and constitutional governance in the face of political upheaval.
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