24/11/2023 (Agence Europe) – The European Parliament “demands the immediate and unconditional release of the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum” in Niger, who has been held illegally since the military coup that the European Parliament “strongly condemns”, in a resolution adopted by a show of hands on 23 November by the Greens/EFA, S&D, Renew Europe and EPP political groups. The European Parliament demands that all charges against Mr Bazoum be dropped and that he be “immediately reinstated” as President. The EU Council is asked to sanction the junta’s leaders (see EUROPE 13277/2). The European Parliament is concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation and the potential use of the Mutual Defence Pact between Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. “The threats to regional stability and democracy come from terrorism and Russia’s attempts to strengthen its presence in the Sahel”, according to the resolution. Further information: https://aeur.eu/f/9qk (AN)