Deploring coup in Niger, Ban calls for peaceful resolution

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the coup d’état in Niger after renegade soldiers reportedly stormed the presidential palace on Thursday with the stated aim of returning the country to democracy.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban “reiterates his disapproval of unconstitutional changes of government, as well as attempts to remain in power through unconstitutional means.”

Mr. Ban noted the declaration by the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, which the media says seized control of government during a gun battle in the capital Niamey, to restore constitutional order.

The Secretary-General appealed for “calm and for the respect of the rule of law and of the human rights of all Nigeriens,” and stressed the United Nations stands ready to support initiatives aimed at peacefully resolving Niger’s political and constitutional crisis.

Through the efforts of the Secretary-General’ Special Representative for West Africa Said Djinnit, the UN is working closely with its partners, including Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), to help resolve the crisis.