Coup dtat is an international crime, says African Bar Association

By Robert EgbeThe African Bar Association (AfBA) has described any unconstitutional overthrow of government as an international crime that would only lead such individuals to misery.It warned that it could also reverse such a countrys socio-political and economic gains.AfBA president Hannibal Uwaifo stated this while reacting to the recent attempted military interference in the government of the Niger Republic.The government of Niger said that on March 31, 2021, it thwarted an attempted coup dtat just days before the inauguration of its current president Mohamed Bazoum.Armed attackers tried to seize the presidential but were fought off by the presidential guard.The democratic transfer of power in the country, which is prone to coups, won international praise, but Mr Bazoums rival Mahamane Ousmane rejected the result of the election.Uwaifo said: Military take-over of the government of Niger Republic is not acceptable and will not be tolerated anywhere in Africa.We are alarmed that despite the laudable efforts of the institutions of governance in the Republic of Niger to sustain democratic governance and take the country to the next stage of global recognition as a peaceful democratic country, some renegade military officers are planning to take the country back to anarchy.He called for proper investigations of the culprits for punishment according to law.We commend the government of Niger for swiftly bringing the situation under control and call for a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators of this crime and their sponsors for the maximum punishment allowed by the law.
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