The French president on Friday condemned the coup attempt in Niger, calling for President Mohamed Bazoum's release and the restoration of constitutional order.
"France absolutely condemns this military coup d'etat against a democratically elected leader," Emmanuel Macron said at a joint news conference with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape in the capital Port Moresby, which was streamed live on digital platforms.
"This coup d'etat is completely illegitimate and deeply dangerous to Nigeriens, Niger, and for the entire region," Macron said.
He added: "We call for the liberation of President Bazoum and the restoration of the constitutional order. We also support the regional organizations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in particular, in their further decisions, mediation efforts, condemnation or sanctions against the putschists
