William Ruto Condemns Niger Coup, Asks Army To Release Deposed Leader: "Kenya Is Willing To Assist"

• President William Ruto said the actions by the elite unit were a serious setback in the democratic gains made by the people of Niger
• Ruto said all parties involved must desist from actions that might escalate the situation and jeopardise the citizens' lives
• He said Kenya was willing to help resolve the conflict in the West African Nation under the patronage of the African Union (AU)

Mombasa - President William Ruto has condemned the coup in Niger led by President Mohammed Bazoum's presidential guard.

In a video address on Friday, July 28, the head of state said the actions by the elite unit were a serious setback in the democratic gains made by the people of Niger for constitutional democracy.

Ruto joined the international community in calling for an immediate release of Bazoum, who is said to be under the presidential guard, and a return to a civilian government.

"We call for the swift restoration of constitutional rule and shearing, the protection of the population under return to full civilian authority while upholding utmost respect for the countries institutions," he said.

He urged all parties involved to desist from actions that might escalate the situation and jeopardise the lives and livelihoods of the people of Niger.

Ruto offers to help Niger

The head of state called for sober mids during this time for Niger, urging the parties involved to engage in constructive discourse to restore peace.

He further called for a united and global response to the resurgence of coups experienced in parts of West Africa and the Sahel region.

Ruto stated that the continent must remain vigilant in protecting the progress made in enhancing democracy, adding that Kenya was willing to help resolve the situation.

"Let us stand together as one to reaffirm our commitment to democracy, liberty, and the progress we have achieved. we must remain vigilant guarding against any slide back into dark days that threatened the hard-fought gains in democracy. Kenya is willing to assist in resolving the conflict under the auspices of the Africa Union should it be deemed appropriate," he said.

AU condemns Nigerien military forces

Earlier, the chairperson of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, strongly condemned the military actions terming them a betrayal of their republican duty.

Mahamat urged them to cease these "unacceptable actions immediately".

"The Chairperson further calls on the people of Niger all their brothers in Africa, particularly in ECOWAS and around the world to join their voices in unanimous condemnation of this coup and for the immediate unconditional return of the felon soldiers to their barracks," he added.