Urgent Appeal Regarding Human Rights Violations in Nigeria, Particularly the Unlawful Detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

 The Secretary-General 

United Nations Headquarters 

New York, NY 10017 

United States of America

Your Excellency,

Urgent Appeal Regarding Human Rights Violations in Nigeria, Particularly the Unlawful Detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

My name is Obulose Chidiebere, A Biafran and a Writer for Family Writers Press International(FWPI). 

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today, seeking your immediate attention and intervention in a matter of grave concern: the continued and unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian government. And, I do eagerly hope that this letter finds you well amidst the ongoing United Nations summit, where world leaders have gathered to discuss global issues and reaffirm their commitment to the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

Nigeria as a member state of the United Nations, have a solemn obligation to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These international agreements enshrined the fundamental principles of human rights and the protection of individuals from arbitrary arrest, detention, and unfair trials.

Nonetheless, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) who has been a symbol of the struggle for self-determination and the rights of the Biafran people in present south-eastern Nigeria, as stipulated in the UN covenants, was kidnapped in Kenya by Nigerian Secret Police, extraordinarily rendition to Nigeria, and has been unlawfully detained for over two(2) years, against the ruling of Nigerian Appellate Court and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention who declared the IPOB leader discharged and acquitted and guiltless, respective. Kanu's journey through the Nigerian legal system has been marred by serious violations of his human rights, and it is essential that the United Nations addresses this matter urgently.

Nnamdi Kanu the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra  

The IPOB leader was first arrested in October 2015 by the Nigerian government and held in detention for over a year without trial. His arrest was followed by accusations of treasonable felony and other charges. Despite these charges, Mr. Kanu was granted bail by the Federal High Court of Nigeria in April 2017. In September 2017, his home was raided by the Nigerian military, and he was declared missing for over a year. During this invasive raid, over 28 persons were killed in his country home at Umuahia, Biafraland by Nigerian soldiers. And the circumstances led to his disappearance raising concerns about his safety and the rule of law in Nigeria.

In June 2021, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was arrested again in a criminal manner, better called Kidnap. He was charged with several offenses, including terrorism-related charges. However, on October 13. 2021, a Nigerian Appellate court ruled in favor of Mr. Kanu's release and acquitted him of all charges, citing lack of evidence and the manner which he was extradited without extradition proceedings.

Despite the court's verdict, Mr. Kanu has remained in detention in Nigeria. His continued detention is not only a violation of the court's decision but also a blatant disregard for international human rights standards and principles.

The unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a clear violation of his fundamental human rights. It raises serious concerns about the independence of the Nigerian judiciary, the rule of law, and the government's commitment to upholding international human rights standards. The Nigerian government's failure to release Mr. Kanu after his discharge and acquittal represents a flagrant violation of his right to liberty and security of person, as guaranteed by Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Moreover, the conditions of Mr. Kanu's detention have been a subject of concern. Reports of inhumane treatment and denial of access to adequate medical care have surfaced, further emphasizing the need for immediate intervention.

The United Nations, through her various bodies and resolutions, have consistently emphasized the importance of respecting human rights, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary. The UN have also expressed concerns about the arbitrary detention of individuals and called for their release in line with international standards.

We urge the United Nations to reaffirm these principles and take urgent action to address the ongoing human rights violations in Nigeria, particularly the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

For the sake of justice, the United Nations must:

1. Request that international human rights organizations and observers be granted access to visit Mr. Kanu in detention to ensure his well-being and proper treatment.

2. Call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in accordance with the court rulings and international human rights standards.

3 Condemn any actions by the Nigerian government that violates the principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights.

4. Engage in diplomatic efforts to encourage the Nigerian government to adhere to its international obligations and respect the rights of its citizens.

5. Advocate for the establishment of an independent inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Kanu's detention and the violations of his rights.

The United Nations has played a vital role in promoting and protecting human rights around the world. In the spirit of the ongoing UN summit, where global leaders convene to address critical issues, we implore you to take immediate and decisive action to address the ongoing human rights violations in Nigeria. The case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu represents not only a violation of an individual's rights but also a litmus test for the international community's commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. We believe that the United Nations can make a difference by holding Nigeria accountable for its actions and ensuring that justice prevails.

We eagerly await your response and hope that the United Nations will stand as a beacon of hope and justice for those whose rights have been unjustly violated.

Sincerely,

Obulose Chidiebere

Writer, For Family Writers Press International.

IPOB, A Non-Violent Movement, Steadfastly Peaceful Amidst Government Sponsored Allegations Of Violence

 IPOB, A Non-Violent Movement, Steadfastly Peaceful Amidst Government Sponsored Allegations Of Violence

In the turbulent landscape of agitation and calls for self-determination, the Indigenous People Of Biafra(IPOB) led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu stands out for its commitment to a peaceful approach. IPOB movement has navigated challenges and untold controversies, yet remaining steadfastly dedicated to the principles of non-violent agitation. The journey of IPOB is a testament to the power of peaceful advocacy in the pursuit of justice and freedom. IPOB have emerged as the prominent voice advocating for the peace of the Biafran people. The movement have garnered attention for her commitment to a peaceful approach in achieving her goals, despite numerous challenges and government projected controversies.

Founded in 2012 by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a charismatic leader with a deep understanding of Nigerian politics, IPOB started to vigorously advocate peacefully for the self-determination right of Biafrans, demanding a United Nations supervised referendum. Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader understood the complexities of the Nigerian government's operations and the importance of playing his cards wisely. So, from the onset, Kanu emphatically preaches a peaceful approach, firmly disavowing any association with violent activities.

At its core, IPOB envisions a Biafran nation where the rights and aspirations of the people are respected and protected without compulsion. This includes the desire for self-determination, freedom from perceived marginalization, and the opportunity to build a prosperous and just society. Quite very important, the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu led IPOB have consistently reiterated their commitment to achieving these goals through peaceful measures. 

But, one of the greatest challenges faced by IPOB has been the association with violence. Over the years, there have been allegations of violence and militant activities by to groups claiming affiliation with Biafra. However, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the leadership of IPOB have been steadfast true in distancing themselves from any form of violence. They have repeatedly asserted that IPOB is a peaceful movement and not an armed struggle group.

A noteworthy incident in IPOB's journey was the emergence of a villain group known as "Autopilot", with its leader in Finland. This group claimed to represent IPOB, but engaged in activities that deviated from the movement's peaceful stance. After numerous IPOB press statement, dissociating self and Nnamdi Kanu from every activity of this villain group, it became clear to observers, even to a six-year-old, that autopilot group doesn’t speak for IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 

Very commendably, understanding the tactics employed by the Nigerian government and its Department of State Services(DSS) has been crucial to IPOB's strategy. Nigeria government have a history of clamping down on peaceful protesters and dissenting voices. And Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB have been victims of this government's lawlessness, yet consistently emphasizing non-violence and peaceful exercises as the way forward, amidst pains and loss of innumerable number of her members to the bullets of the trigger happy Nigerian security.

IPOB's commitment to a peaceful approach is also exemplified by her engagement in peaceful protests round the world and civil disobedience campaigns in Biafraland. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB Supreme leader in being a vocal advocate for the use of peaceful means to achieve the Biafran cause, emphasises that violence only begets more violence and hinders progress. This approach has garnered support from various quarters, both within and internationally.

IPOB's peaceful approach has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Various human rights organizations and advocates have voiced their concerns over the Nigeria government treatment on IPOB members and the need for a peaceful resolution to the Biafran question. These international attentions have added pressure on the Nigerian government to engage in constructive dialogue.

However, despite her commitment to peaceful means, IPOB have faced significant challenges and setbacks along the way. The Nigerian government have continued to clamp down on the movement, leading to arrests and detentions, including that of IPOB Supreme Leader himself. These actions have tested the resolve of IPOB and his supporters.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's leadership has been central to IPOB's journey. His charisma, vision, and unwavering commitment to a peaceful approach have inspired many to join the cause. Even in the face of adversity, Kanu has continued to be a voice and determined advocate for Biafran independence without violence, earning him respect among his followers and admirers.

Therefore, it is absolutely unthoughtful and insensitive for any reasonable fellow to keep associating IPOB to any form of militancy, criminality or violence. Because, amidst several provocations, the movement have remained consistently disciplined and committed to peaceful conducts. 

#FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow 

#BiafraReferendumNow

Written by Obulose Chidiebere

Edited by Ogah C S Maduabuchi 

For Family Writers Press International 

IPOB: The Plight Of Obi-dients And The Need To Always Stand For Justice

IPOB: The Plight Of Obi-dients And The Need To Always Stand For Justice

The long awaited Presidential Tribunal Judgement has come and gone, leaving every one that hoped on the judiciary, especially the Obi-dients, awed. In all, the message these whole outcome has for everyone is that while justice is being cruelly strangulated in Nigeria, one should never side it, irrespective of whom is suffering from that callous act at any moment. It is a clear warning that justice is not a Notherner or Southerner, and not a Christian or Muslim. 

Did you remember when Appeal Court discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra(IPOB)? Many Obi-dients became furious and wished Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was never released till the Nigerian election is over. 

Then you would ask, "what was their reason for such nasty wish for the IPOB leader. Of course nothing meaningful. Most of them simply thought that Tinubu wanted to use Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a bait to scuttle the chances of Peter Obi winning the election. Many of them accused Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of being an obstacle to the mandate of Obi. They claimed that if Mazi Nnamdi Kanu were released, he would divide the teaming masses that were rooting and ready to vote for Obi in Southeast and all other regions densely populated with Igbos. So, they argued that such would consequently  deflate the chances of Obi winning the presidential election, coupled with the skepticisms surrounding the position of IPOB worldwide during that period.

Unfortunately, it did not occur to these set of Obi-dients that Justice is the fundamental victim here.

At the victory and subsequent pronouncement of the panel led by Justice Tsammani, an unprecedented joy, jubilation enveloped the whole of southeast except some set of people who immediately began to write scandalous views about the release of the IPOB leader. They wished for justice to be denied to Nnamdi Kanu. They wanted him still remain locked up in that dungeon until the election is over. 

By so doing, these Obi-dients prayed, wished and asked for a travesty of justice to one innocent man, thus were happy when the federal government used same appeal court to stay the judgement of same appeal court that released Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

All these were just for their selfish political ambitions during the selection process called election, because they were with high hopes that Peter Obi was a sure mandate. They never looked inside the loopholes created by INEC, instead became antagonistic to a man who have committed no sin.

Fast-forward to this day, same Obi-dients are seeking justice from same court that discharged Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and they wished he should never had gotten justice from that appellate court. The same court headed by same justice Tsammani who led the panel for counter justices for Nnamdi Kanu is whom these Obi-dients hoped to deliver justice to them, forgetting how they helped and encouraged the trample of Justice in Kanu's case. What an irony of life?

Have you now spotted their vile hypocrisy and conspiracy?

These people forgot that "injustice to one is a trait to justice to all. They forgot that one evil they failed to condemn, curtail will spread to their doorsteps. Today, I hope they havs realized that they were wrong all the while, pointing accusing fingers at an innocent yet illegally incarcerated Man.

Now, we watch how they are denied justice, a lesson to them that karma is real.

As their eyes were on the judiciary, they failed to recount their false accusations on a man who mean no harm to them. And till date, they have not apologized while at the same time seeking justice. Something they do not want another to get? Quite Laughable and unfortunate. 

At the end, Nigeria has shown the Obi-dients why she remains irredeemable, and further vindicates Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB.

IPOB is not pleased to see the manipulation on justice to anyone, even to their enemies. This is keyly what people do not understand. It is equally what the Obi-dients should understand in their current disappointed state, and learn to always stand for justice, irrespective of whom she is for.

#FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow

Written by Kelechi Chukwuezi Augustine

Edited by Ogah C S Maduabuchi 

For Family Writers Press International

Nigerian Apex Court Supporting The Emasculation of Its Own Laws to Spite on One Man----IPOB

  Nigerian Apex Court Supporting The Emasculation of Its Own Laws to Spite on One Man----IPOB

We the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable liberator Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu KANU condemn the continuous adjournment of our Leader's case by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in their efforts for our Leader to remain in the DSS solitary confinement in Abuja. 

It is with greatest disappointment and bewilderment that we received from our Leader’s Lead Counsel Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) the shocking news of the cancellation of the date earlier scheduled for the Hearing of our Leader’s Appeal before the Supreme Court. 

The afterthought and flimsy reason being that the 14th of September 2023, earlier scheduled for the Hearing of the case has caught up with the Supreme Court’s Annual vacation. To say the least, this is the worst form of travesty of justice and violent destruction of the rule of law at its epic. If we may ask, was it not in an open Court that the Justices of the Supreme Court that sat on the Appeal on the 11th day of May 2023, adjourned the matter to the 14th day of September 2023?

It is also our understanding that the 14th day of September 2023 adjournment was not granted as a matter of course, the adjournment date was carefully considered against the background of the Federal Government’s deliberate ploy to thwart the proceedings of that day by applying for time to file their papers even when they were clearly out of time, and the Appeal was consequently, adjourned to the 14th day of September 2023 for Definite Hearing. 

If the present intention of the Apex Court is not a rape of democracy and clear subversion of the course of justice, how could they have adjourned to the 14th day of September 2023 without being guided by their diary, which contains the entire schedule of activities and holidays of the Supreme Court for the entire year?

May we, therefore, invite the Supreme Court to note as follows:

1) To start with, the world and indeed the members of the public are to note that the “Stay of Execution” in a criminal trial is both criminal and unconstitutional. It is tantamount to the destruction of the tenets of criminal law jurisprudence because it is not supported by any judicial authority or extant laws or criminal practice direction of the Court of Appeal. 

What the Federal Government of Nigeria did was to procure a panel of the most corrupt judicial officers in the Court of Appeal to sit on an unprecedented Appeal against the decision of the same Court, and the criminal venture was perfected and carefully executed. Hence, our leader is today, still being illegally and unconstitutionally confined to solitary confinement at the SSS dungeon in Abuja due to the illegal Order of the judicial putschists.

2) Contrary to the widespread misinformation, our leader is being detained without a charge pending against him in any Court of law, which is against the law and constitution of Nigeria. By the authority of the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 13th day of October 2022, the seven-count charge that was pending against our leader before he approached the intermediate Court was buried in its entirety, having been discharged and effectively forbidden from being prosecuted again in any Court in Nigeria on any indictment or offence of any nature.

3) The style of successive adjournment basically at the instance of the Federal Government of Nigeria is to justify the illegal detention of our leader, which is clearly an abuse of judicial process.

4) Our leader has been in detention for one year since he was discharged by the Court of Appeal. Yet, the government that Appealed the decision discharging our leader is not interested in prosecuting the matter because they are aware that they will still lose at the Supreme Court. 

5) It is highly unfortunate that an Apex Court operating within the ambit of constitutional democracy will support the emasculation of their own Laws just to spite one man and what he represents.

6) The cancellation of this date on the frivolous ground that the scheduled date is caught up with the Apex Court annual vacation is against the Supreme Court’s own rules governing criminal trials that are subject to accelerated Hearing. It is to be observed that the unfolding events goes to demonstrate that the Supreme Court of Nigeria is not abiding with their own rules by constantly adjourning the case of our Leader. 

We, therefore, call on responsible foreign Governments, institutions, and international communities to immediately prevail on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to Hear Our Leader’s Appeal so that this case will be promptly determined.

How can you justify in law and fact, that an innocent man who was discharged and acquitted by the Nigerian Court of Appeal since the 13th day of October 2022, and freed of any wrongdoing is still today, being held in solitary confinement without any Order of Court or law backing up the illegal and unconstitutional violation of his rights? It is, indeed, a grave subversion of the course of justice by the highest Court in the land, in their clandestine connivance with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

If the Federal Government of Nigeria is no longer interested in prosecuting their Appeal, our Leader should be immediately released in line with the Order of the Penultimate Court made on the 13th day of October 2022. 

COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL

MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR IPOB.

BREAKING: ECOWAS declares War on Niger, orders its Chief of Defence Staff to activate standby force to restore constitutional order

BREAKING: ECOWAS declares War on Niger, orders its Chief of Defence Staff to activate standby force to restore constitutional order

The Economic Community of West African States has ordered its standby force to restore constitutional order in the Niger Republic.

The President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, made the declaration while reading the resolution of ECOWAS on the Niger coup at the ECOWAS Extraordinary meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

It also called on the African Union, AU, partner countries, and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.

ECOWAS said all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have been defiantly rejected by coup leaders as they condemn the continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.

The resolution partly reads, “Direct the committee of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.

“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS stand-by force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

“Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”

I Will Never Forgive Anyone Using My Name, The Name of IPOB, ESN For Fundraising Or To Enforce Illegal Sit-At-Home--Nnamdi Kanu Warns

  I Will Never Forgive Anyone Using My Name, The Name of IPOB, ESN For Fundraising Or To Enforce Illegal Sit-At-Home--Nnamdi Kanu Warns 

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has threatened to deal with anyone or group using his name, IPOB or its armed wing - Eastern Security Network (ESN) to enforce the cancelled sit-at-home order or conduct fundraising.

Kanu, who issued the threat on Monday through his special lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, said that using his name, IPOB or ESN to conduct fundraising or enforce illegal sit-at-home is a crime and that anyone or group doing it is deliberately working against his release from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody.

The detained IPOB leader who had announced the replacement of the Monday sit-at-home with Economic Empowerment Day (EED) also said that he will personally unveil the details of the programme once he is released from detention. 

Kanu said, Today, I met with Onyendu MAZI NNAMDI KANU at the DSS. He greets you all - the faithful, loyal and honest and he instructed me (as of Counsel) to tweet the following (in quotes): 

1. “Any person or group of persons using my name, the name of IPOB or ESN in fundraising without my direct and express authorization is committing a crime with my name and I will deal with such person, regardless of his place of residence”.

2. “The details of the Economic Empowerment Day (EED) are very comprehensive and I will personally unveil such details once I am released”.

3. “The idea of endless SitAtHome has been hijacked by our oppressors as a means of rendering our land desolate and forcing our people to migrate out of our lands. They have, through enforcing the SitAtHome in Southeast, gerrymandered Igboland to now exclude the Igbos in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Rivers, Edo, Delta and Benue”.

4. “I will never forgive any person or group of person still insisting on, and enforcing Sit-at-Home. I take it that such person is merely using my name to indirectly work against my release”. "

Thousands Rally in Support of Military Coup as Tinubu ECOWAS Ready to Invade Niger

 Thousands Rally in Support of Military Coup as Tinubu ECOWAS Ready to Invade Niger

Demonstrators took to the streets of Niger’s capital Niamey on Thursday in a show of support for the country’s new leadership, a week after a military coup in the West African country.

People rallied on the streets of Niamey to signal their support for de facto president Abdourahmane Tchiani and his junta, a dpa correspondent in the capital reported.  

The demonstrations followed a call by civil society associations, according to reports.

They came on the 63rd anniversary of Niger gaining independence from former colonial power France.

According to local media, people also demonstrated in the city of Agadez, with posters seen expressing support for the putschists. Russian flags are also said to have been waved.

Agadez is on the edge of the Sahara Desert, which many migrants pass through on their way through the desert to Libya and towards the Mediterranean.

The coup plotters managed to ignite a “nationalistic fire” in the population within a week, said Olaf Bernau from the migration network Afrique-Europe-Interact.

Part of the reason for this is the EU’s migration strategy in Niger.

For several years, Niger, as an important transit country for migrants heading for Europe, has received financial support to limit migration. Since 2015, a law in Niger has criminalized illegal migration and its support.

So far, Niger has not only been an important partner for the West in containing migration, but also in the fight against terrorism.

In the Sahel, dozens of militias, some of whom have sworn allegiance to so-called Islamic State (IS) or the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, regularly carry out attacks.

Last week, officers of the presidential guard in Niger arrested the democratically elected president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, and declared him deposed.

Tchiani, the commander of the presidential guard, appointed himself the new ruler on Friday, suspended the constitution, and dissolved all constitutional institutions.

Bazoum used an opinion piece in the Washington Post on Thursday to call for the international world to help restore constitutional order.

He was writing “as a hostage” and was “just one of hundreds of citizens who have been arbitrarily and illegally imprisoned,” Bazoum said in the piece.

The coup had no justification and, if it succeeded, would have “devastating consequences for our country, our region, and the entire world,” Bazoum wrote.

He used the piece to call on the US government and “the entire international community” to help restore order.

“Fighting for our shared values, including democratic pluralism and respect for the rule of law, is the only way to make sustainable progress against poverty and terrorism. The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history,” he wrote.

Niger’s new rulers are looking for allies. The deputy head of the country’s military junta, General Salifou Modi, travelled to the neighbouring countries of Mali and Burkina Faso, which are also ruled by army officers who took power in military coups.

Both have pledged their support to Niger, Modi said, particularly in the area of security.

“We are happy about the closeness we have with our brothers in Mali,” the deputy head of Niger’s military junta, General Salifou Modi, said after a meeting with the government in the Malian capital Bamako on Wednesday.

Burkina Faso’s military strongman Ibrahima Traoré also assured him of his support at a meeting in the capital Ouagadougou on Wednesday, Modi said.

Pressure continues to mount on Niger, with Nigeria suspending electricity supplies and the World Bank freezing payments to the West African nation on Wednesday.

Also, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given the putschists in Niger an ultimatum.

If Bazoum is not reinstated by Sunday, ECOWAS will take action that could include sanctions and armed force, it declared.

Meanwhile, in Paris, the French Foreign Ministry said the evacuation of its nationals from Niger has been completed, according to a statement on its website published on Thursday.

French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Twitter that 1,079 French and foreign nationals have been evacuated since Tuesday.

There were four Paris-bound flights carrying 992 people including 560 French nationals.

A fifth and final flight brought about 100 people to Chad, the French General Staff told dpa.

Paris said the evacuation was needed because Niger had closed its airspace and there had been reported violence at the French embassy during pro-coup protests.

Niger’s junta has accused France of planning a military intervention.

French broadcasters France 24 and RFI have been banned from broadcasting in Niger.

A statement issued on Thursday evening by France’s Foreign Ministry said it very firmly condemned the suspension of broadcasting.

The measures taken against the press in Niger occurred in a context of authoritarian repression by those responsible for the coup, the ministry added.

In Washington, President Joe Biden noted on Thursday on the occasion of Niger’s Independence Day, that the West African country “is facing a grave challenge to its democracy.”

He repeated calls for the immediate release of Bazoum and his family and “for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy.” (dpa/NAN)