The head of the Catholic Church, the bishop of Rome and the sovereign of the Vatican City State, Pope Francis, has reacted to the crisis in the Niger Republic.
News360 Info that Niger’s democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held hostage by the new military government in the country following his ousting in a coup in July.
While addressing the faithful in St Peter’s Square after his Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis urged a diplomatic solution to the political crisis in the African country by a coup that threatens stability in the region.
He said: “I am following with concern what is happening in Niger and join the bishops’ call in favour of peace in the country and stability in the Sahel,” said Pope Francis, addressing the faithful in St Peter’s Square after his Angelus prayer.
I join with prayer the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of everyone,” said the 86-year-old.”
News360 Info understands that Niger is the fourth West African nation to suffer a coup since 2020 following President Bazoum’s ousting.
