African Union backs ECOWAS decision to launch military operation in Niger

Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat supported the decision of the Economic Community of West African Nations (ECOWAS) to launch a military operation in Niger.

Report informs via TASS that Mahamat expressed concern over the situation in Niger and called for the "immediate release" of President Mohamed Bazoum, members of his family and government, calling their detention conditions unacceptable.

Earlier, the President of Côte d'Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, said that ECOWAS leaders agreed to launch a military operation in Niger as soon as possible.