UN Chief Demands Niger’s President "Immediate Release"

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, as the world body is suspending humanitarian operations in Niger due to the situation in the country.

Related:
UN Secretary-General A. Guterres Condemns Coup D’éTat in Niger

Addressing a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres urged those detaining Bazoum to release him "immediately and unconditionally."

"Stop obstructing the democratic governance of the country and respect the rule of law," he added.

Furtheremore, Guterres also said he spoke to Bazoum on Wednesday to express the UN's full solidarity. "I don't know exactly where he is, but he was detained," Guterres said, adding that "he told me he was well, but he told me that the situation was very serious."

During a daily press briefing, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres said humanitarian operations are currently on hold in Niger "given the situation" there.

"The problem on the air right now is that our humanitarian flights cannot fly within the country, which means that our humanitarian operations are suspended," Dujarric said.

According to Dujarric, Niger is already facing a complex humanitarian situation, noting that violence by armed groups, both in the country and its neighbors, has increased the concerns over civilian protection and has also aggravated food insecurity.