US Secretary of State Vows to Restore Constitutional Order in Niger After Coup
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has pledged his support to Niger’s ousted leader, President Mohamed Bazoum, following a military coup in the West African country. In a phone call with President Bazoum, Blinken emphasized Washington’s commitment to reestablishing the constitutional order and warned the coup leaders that the country’s access to hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance could be in jeopardy unless democratic norms are restored.
Blinken also praised President Bazoum’s efforts in promoting security not only in Niger but throughout the wider West Africa region. This comes after the Secretary of State previously informed President Bazoum that US support to the landlocked African nation would depend on its adherence to democratic governance, the rule of law, and human rights.
The military coup in Niger saw General Abdourahamane Tchiani declare himself the head of a transitional government after members of Niger’s presidential guard took President Bazoum into custody. In a televised address, General Tchiani explained that he seized control to prevent “the gradual and inevitable demise” of the country. Earlier this year, Tchiani had led the resistance against a failed coup in March, just days before the inauguration of President Bazoum.
President Bazoum’s election marked the first peaceful transfer of power in Niger since gaining independence from France in 1960. The US and former colonial ruler France view Niger as an important partner in addressing security threats in the region, as it shares borders with seven African countries, including Libya, Chad, and Nigeria.
Furthermore, Niger is the largest recipient of US military assistance in West Africa, having received approximately $500 million in aid since 2012. The country currently hosts over 2,000 US and French troops, further emphasizing its strategic importance in the fight against regional security challenges.
As the situation unfolds in Niger, the international community will closely monitor the restoration of democratic order and the actions of the transitional government. President Bazoum’s ousting and the subsequent response from nations such as the US highlight the importance of upholding democratic principles and respect for human rights in West Africa.