In a strong diplomatic move, the United States has issued a warning to the mutineers who have seized control of Niger that their support for the Western African nation will cease unless President Mohamed Bazoum is released and reinstated to power.
The warning, delivered by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, carries significant weight, as it threatens to cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Niger.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, made this announcement during a news conference held in Brisbane, Australia, following consultations with his Australian counterpart. He emphasized the importance of democratic governance and constitutional order in Niger, stating that the economic and security partnership between the two nations depends on it.
Niger has been a recipient of substantial aid from the United States, including a $150 million humanitarian aid package announced by Blinken during his visit to the country in March. In addition to humanitarian aid, Niger has benefited from significant military assistance, including training and support in counterterrorism efforts. The country has been hosting around 1,100 U.S. troops.
The military takeover in Niger, announced by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard, has raised international concerns. Tchiani declared himself the new leader and dissolved the government while suspending the country’s constitution. The mutineers have also closed borders, imposed a curfew, and seized control of key institutions.
The White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, further reiterated the seriousness of the situation, warning that the United States might cease security and other cooperation with Niger’s government. However, Kirby expressed that diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected two years ago, has been detained by the mutineers in the presidential palace. The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, condemned the use of force to seize power and reaffirmed the United States’ support for Niger’s democracy.
Several world leaders and organizations have expressed their concerns and disapproval of the military takeover in Niger. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold a summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to address the situation. The regional bloc has condemned the events and called for President Bazoum’s immediate release and reinstatement.
Kenyan President William Ruto described the military takeover as a serious setback for Africa, emphasizing the importance of constitutional democracy in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has historical ties with Niger, is chairing a defense meeting to assess the situation. The U.N. Security Council is also closely monitoring the developments and is discussing a draft statement condemning the unconstitutional change of government and supporting regional efforts to resolve the crisis.
The situation in Niger remains tense, and the international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of democratic governance. Meanwhile, humanitarian assistance to the country continues, despite the temporary suspension of aid flights due to the closure of Niger’s airspace.
(With inputs from VOA)
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