The African Peace and Security Council, today Saturday, gave the coup leaders in Niger a maximum of 15 days to relinquish power and return to their barracks.

The African Peace and Security Council, affiliated with the African Union, issued a statement condemning in the strongest possible terms the military coup in Niger, and the subsequent ousting of the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum.

The council, which resembles the United Nations Security Council in its mission, expressed its deep concern about the troubling return of military coups that undermine democracy, security, peace, and stability on the continent.

The council also emphasized its absolute intolerance for unconstitutional changes of governments in the African continent.

The council called on the military to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore legitimate authority within a maximum of 15 days from the date of the council's statement adoption.

The council also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum and other political detainees, and respect for their rights. It threatened to take all necessary measures, including punitive actions against perpetrators of violations.