The African Union has reiterated its call for a swift return to constitutional order in Gabon and Niger following the recent military coups in the two countries.
“The council reaffirmed zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government and renewed its call for a swift return to constitutional order in both states,” the AU peace and security department said.
The council further urged “a clear and time-bound transition period timetable” towards a return to civilian rule in both countries.
Regarding the situation in Niger, the council reiterated its demand for an immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum and all other detainees and respect for their human rights, including the protection of their physical health and moral integrity.
On July 26, the military in Niger detained Bazoum and chose Abdourahamane Tchiani, former leader of the country’s presidential guard, to lead the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
On August 30, Brice Oligui Nguema, commander-in-chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, was named as the transitional leader of the Central African country following a coup.
After the military coups, the AU Commission suspended both Niger and Gabon from the pan-African bloc until normal constitutional order is restored in the two countries.
The African Union urged all political, civil and military actors in the two countries to give priority to peaceful political avenues.
NAN
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
