The German government has strongly warned Niger coup plotters against committing acts of violence against the detained President Mohamed Bazoum.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office made it clear in Berlin on Monday that the Central European country was worried about the politician.

“I would like to emphasise once again at this point our message to the coup plotters that they must expect harsh personal consequences should anything happen to the democratically elected President Bazoum and his family,’’ the spokesman said.

“We would perceive that as an escalation, and so would our African partners.’’

The foreign office spokesman said sanctions and national or international prosecution are possible steps to be taken if a violent act is taken against the detained president.

Furthermore, the German government hopes the coup plotters will respond to mediation efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

ECOWAS, a regional political and economic union of 15 countries in West Africa, had threatened to restore order in Niger by force.

The West African leaders slammed sanctions on the coup plotters, giving them one week to give up power or face possible military intervention.

This significant move, which includes air and land border closure, is seen as a crucial reaction to the recent ascendancy of the junta, which has stirred significant unrest in the country and poses a threat to political stability within the region.

(dpa/NAN)