The UN Security Council in a statement condemned attempts to illegally change the government of Niger and called for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum.
"The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the efforts to unconstitutionally change the legitimate government of the Republic of Niger on 26 July 2023," the release said on Friday. "The members of the Security Council called for the immediate and unconditional release of the democratically elected President of the Republic, H.E. Mohammed Bazoum, and underscored the need to protect him, his family and members of his government."
Earlier this week, members of the Tchiani-headed presidential guard said in a statement broadcast on national television that they had overthrown Bazoum, closed borders and imposed a curfew in the country "until further notice."
The UNSC members also expressed concern over the increase in terrorist activities and the dire socio-economic situation, the release added, and underscored the urgent need to restore constitutional order in Niger in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
The members of the Security Council called for those involved to "refrain from violence, hand over power and return to their barracks."
Recently, the Chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat told Sputnik that Bazoum is safe and in good health.
The president's office said that Niger's army did not support the mutineers, however, the military command declared solidarity with the mutineers later.