Niger President Mohamed Bazoum. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

On Thursday the German Federal Foreign Office condemned a coup attempt in Niger, saying violence should not be a means to realize political or personal interests, and calling for the immediate release of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum.

Russia called on the Niger military to quickly free President Bazoum, and urged all parties to refrain from using force and resolve all disputes through peaceful and constructive dialogue.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk underscored the need to restore constitutional order and the rule of law. Turk urged the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum.

In a late-night address on Wednesday on national television, a group of soldiers in Niger said that President Bazoum had been removed from power after several hours of being detained in the presidential palace.

Niger Armed Forces Chief General Abdou Sidikou Issa endorsed President Bazoum’s removal on Thursday, saying he wanted to avoid a deadly confrontation between factions.

Bazoum was elected President of Niger in 2021.