President William Ruto on Friday, July 28, called for the immediate release of Niger president Mohamed Bazoum seized by the presidential guard on Wednesday.

In a recorded video, the Kenyan head of state Ruto said the coup was a major setback to the democracy of not only the citizens of Niger but of the whole continent.

“The government and the people of Kenya urge all the parties involved to refrain from any escalation that may jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of people of Niger,” said Ruto. 

He further called on the parties involved to engage in a constructive discourse to restore peace in a country that has been a pillar in the fight against terrorism.

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Calls to Deal with Resurging Military Coups

While calling for a united global response, he noted that there is a resurgence of military coups and attempts to subvert the will of the people in the continent.

“This will ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” he added.

President Ruto noted Kenya was willing to offer support to ensure the country goes back to stability.

“Kenya is willing to assist in resolving the conflict under the hospices of the African union should it be deemed appropriate. Africa shall continue to shine as a beacon of hope and progress,” he added.

Soldiers on Wednesday evening declared a military coup in the country, seizing the president. 

The country’s army spokesperson Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane said in a statement broadcast on a state-run television that the coup was because of “continuous deterioration of the security situation.”

Mounting pressure on Niger 

Pressure is mounting on the military to release the president and take the country back to civilian rule. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum. 

“Whether this constitutes a coup technically or not, I can’t say, that’s for the lawyers to say, but what it clearly constitutes is an effort to seize power by force and to disrupt the constitution,” Blinken said. 

Also Read: Sudan Post-Coup Talks ‘Open’ to Holdout Groups: US Envoy

The European Union threatened to cut off aid to Niger in the wake of the mutiny.

“The EU condemns in the strongest terms the coup in Niger. The events of recent days constitute a serious attack on stability and democracy in Niger,” a statement read

On Friday, General Omar Tchiani appeared on state TV as the president of the transitional council that seized power.