African Union demands Niger's military 'return to barracks' within 15 days

(Patria) - The African Union (AU) has demanded that the military in Niger "return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority" within 15 days after seizing power in a coup, AFP reported.

The AU Peace and Security Council "demands that the military personnel immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum of fifteen (15) days," the statement said after a meeting.

It "strongly condemns" the overthrow of the elected government and its president Mohamed Bazoum and expresses deep concern over the "alarming resurgence" of military coups in Africa.

Bazoum was detained on Wednesday, and the putschists later appointed General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the presidential guard since 2011, as the new leader. They presented the coup as a response to the deteriorating security situation in the country, but it has been condemned by the international community as a power struggle.