The European Union Friday reiterated its condemnation of the recent coup d'?©tat in Niger and warned of consequences on EU-Niger Cooperation.

"Any breakdown of the constitutional order will have consequences for cooperation between the EU and Niger, including the immediate suspension of all budget support," warned EU High Representative Josep Borrell in a Declaration on behalf of the 27-member bloc.

"The EU condemns in the strongest terms the coup d'?©tat in Niger. The events of recent days constitute a serious attack on stability and democracy in Niger," he said.

Moreover, the EU foreign policy chief said, "this coup is in total violation of the democratic principles on which the management of political power in the region is based." The EU reiterated its support for the action of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and for the efforts under way to allow an immediate return to Constitutional Order.

The EU called for President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum's security and freedom of movement to be unconditionally ensured.

Meanwhile, media reports today said Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani has declared himself the new leader of Niger after the coup on Wednesday.

Tchiani, 62, has been in charge of the presidential guard in Niger since 2011.

Source: Kuwait News Agency