Niger coup: UK govt urges military junta to release President Bazoum

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the military junta in Niger Republic and has called for his immediate release. President Bazoum has been under house arrest since a takeover orchestrated by members of his presidential guard on July 26, 2023.

In a statement, the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey MP, met with Nigerian defense leaders and military chiefs to discuss the situation in Niger. During the meeting, he reaffirmed the UK’s support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) diplomatic efforts to ensure a peaceful return to democracy in Niger.

The UK expressed its solidarity with ECOWAS in condemning the coup against Niger’s elected leadership. The British High Commission emphasized that President Bazoum, his family, and members of the government are being illegally detained under unacceptable conditions and called for their immediate release.

Nigeria is a key partner in promoting regional security and countering violent extremism in the region, including the Lake Chad Basin. The Nigerian Armed Forces play a crucial role as a leading contributor to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), demonstrating the commitment of the constituent nations to ensure regional security.