Beijing, Aug 4 (EFE).- China urged the parties involved in the Niger coup to resolve their differences “peacefully through dialogue.”
“China is closely following the development of the situation in Niger and has taken note of the relevant statements made by the United Nations and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States),” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement late Thursday.
The ministry pointed out that the deposed president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since last week in the coup attempt, is “a friend of China” and “hopes that his personal safety will be guaranteed.”
It also urged the relevant parties to act in the “fundamental interests of the country and the people, resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, restore normal order as soon as possible, and maintain national stability and overall development.”
The ministry expressed its confidence that Niger and the countries of the region “have the wisdom and ability to find a political solution” and assured that, together with the Chinese embassy in the west African country, it has issued security alerts and instructed China’s citizens and institutions to strengthen security measures and preparation for emergencies.
Niger’s military junta, now calling itself the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland, announced the removal of the president, the suspension of institutions, the closure of borders and a night-time curfew.
Three of the ECOWAS member states – Senegal, the Ivory Coast and Nigeria – confirmed on Thursday their willingness to take military action against Niger if the junta refuses to return Bazoum to power.
The administrations in Burkina Faso and Mali, also in power through coups, warned against military intervention in Niger.
Their respective leaders, Ibrahim Traoré and Assimi Goita, said that any military action against their neighbor would amount to a declaration of war against them. EFE
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