Szijjarto: Sahel region’s stability critically important

The situation in the region’s key country, Niger, remains “critical”, with the military having “practically taken the president hostage”, Peter Szijjarto said on Facebook.

The minister said he had discussed on the phone the situation in Niger with his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, on Tuesday, adding they were in agreement on the need to stand by the country’s democratically elected president and the restoration of constitutionality, in line with the international statements made in the matter.

The international community and most regional organisations have expressed support for Niger’s president, Szijjarto said. “We have done likewise, as the region’s stability is critically important for us, too,” he added.

Because if there is stability in the Sahel region, then it is far less likely that more migration waves will start making their way towards Europe, and a further aggravation of the threat of terrorism can be prevented, Szijjarto said.