When I visited the Niger last year, I saw a young democracy whose people looked to the future full of hope, although the country must contend with the consequences of the climate crisis, scarce natural resources, high population growth and severe poverty. Like its neighbours, it is also grappling with terrorism and organised crime.

The Government of President Bazoum endeavoured despite these challenging circumstances to position itself as a reliable partner, fight poverty, bring lasting improvements to the lives of its people and thus dry up support for terrorism. The European Union did everything in its power to support the civilian government in these efforts, and we remain firmly persuaded that only a democratic government can develop viable responses to the many challenges that the country faces. Because where soldiers reach for power, they damage their country.

The fact that soldiers have now staged a coup in order to take power in the Niger is a bitter blow for the many people there who have done so much in recent years to ensure a better future for their country.

I have today spoken by telephone to my counterpart in the Niger, Hassoumi Massoudou, and clearly expressed our full support for a democratic future for the Niger. This includes the immediate release of President Bazoum.

I also emphasised the fact that efforts by the regional organisation ECOWAS and the African Union to achieve a return to constitutional order have the full support of Germany and Europe.