Commonwealth must join calls for release of Nigerien president – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the Commonwealth of Nations to join calls for the release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum.


On July 27, soldiers, largely from the presidential guard, kidnapped Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, thereby dissolving the constitution, suspending all institutions, and closing the country's borders.

President Akufo-Addo lamented the recent coups on the African continent, as well as the threats they bring to peace and economic stability.

Nana Akufo-Addo stated at the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Accra that MPs must be agents of democracy.


He also stated that democracy in Africa is under attack as a result of the unlawful change of administration.

"The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, indeed, the Commonwealth itself should join ECOWAS and the African Union in demanding the immediate unconditional release from unjustifiable detention of the democratically elected president of the Republic of Niger, His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum."

"Democracy and the stability that generally accompanies democratic governments are essential for the future prosperity of the African continent."

President Mohamed Bazoum is still being held by the former presidential guard.