Macron calls Niger’s coup “deeply dangerous for Niger and the whole region,”

French President Emmanuel Macron said Niger’s coup “is deeply dangerous for Niger and the whole region,” calling for the release of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Speaking Friday, for the first time on the ongoing events in Niger, Macron condemned the coup describing Bazoum as “a courageous leader who is making the reforms and investments that his country needs.”

Macron, who was speaking in a joint press conference on Friday with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea during a visit there, added that France would support the regional organizations should they decide to impose sanctions against the putsch leaders.