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The President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma today, 19 February 2010 joined the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African countries (ECOWAS) and other African leaders in condemning the coup d'etat by the Nigeran military that toppled President Mamadou Tandja's Government on 18 February 2010.
President Zuma said: "I wish to add our voice in condemning the coup d'etat that occurred in Niger yesterday and wish to remind the Nigeran military that the African Union completely rejects any unconstitutional transfer of power as it undermines the continent's resolve to consolidate democracy and pose peace and security threat in the region, as witnessed in Niger yesterday."
The South African Government fully supports the move by ECOWAS, which has long been seized with mediation efforts during the standoff leading to the coup, to send a mission to Niger to assess the situation in an effort to bring a solution to this crisis.
"I call on the Nigeran military Leadership to respect the ECOWAS intervention and abide by the country's constitutional principles on the transfer of political power," added President Zuma.
The president concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued coordination between the African Union and ECOWAS in restoring Niger's constitutional order.