ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication has raised concerns over the recent coup in Niger.
Development Diaries reports that soldiers in the West African country of Niger announced the coup on national TV on Thursday.
The soldiers said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the nation’s borders.
The country’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held by troops from the presidential guard since early on Wednesday.
According to ImpactHouse, the forceful takeover of the government could result in human rights violations and civil unrest in the country.
The civil society organisation (CSO) noted in a statement that the action undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law in the country and Africa.
‘We express our utmost concern over the attempted coup d’etat and unconstitutional seizure of power, which undermines the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the country’, the statement signed by ImpactHouse Executive Director, Adenike Arigbabu, read.
‘We view this unconstitutional seizure of power as a grave violation of democratic principles and an affront to the rights and aspirations of the Nigerien people.
‘The actions of the coup plotters undermine the rule of law, democratic institutions, and the will of the Nigerien people, who deserve to have their voices heard through free and fair elections’.
ImpactHouse urged all parties involved to prioritise the peaceful resolution of conflicts and adhere to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
‘This unconstitutional takeover of power must not be condoned, and those responsible for orchestrating or supporting the coup must be held accountable through legal channels’, the statement added.
The organisation also called on regional and international organisations, including Economic Council of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), to engage in diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and find a peaceful solution to the current political crisis.
Niger, which is one of the world’s poorest countries, has experienced four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, as well as numerous other attempts, including two previously against President Mohamed Bazoum.
Photo source: AFP
