The head of the African Union on Tuesday voiced his concern after a failed mutiny in Niger, condemning any attempt to seize power by force.
Niger’s military on Saturday foiled a mutiny by disgruntled soldiers within its ranks.
In a statement, the AU Commission said its chief, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, had been following the armed clashes at sensitive sites in Niger’s capital Niamey “with concern”.
“The chairperson… strongly condemns the use of violence and any attempt to seize power by force. He calls on all actors to exercise restraint and to safeguard the security of the population and the stability of the country,” it added.
‘Constitutional order’
The unrest left five people dead, according to media reports.
Three presidential guards were killed in the fighting, according to state news agency ANP.
The AU also renewed its call for “the restoration of constitutional order”.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, who leads the government, has not spoken publicly since the mutiny.
But his office said he had spoken by phone on Monday with Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and confirmed the “exceptional deployment” to Niamey on Sunday of Algerian fighter jets at Niger’s request.
Algeria’s Defence Ministry said the deployment was ordered by Algerian Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha under instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to strengthen strategic cooperation between Algeria and Niger, “particularly in the military field.”
