Coup Leaders in Niger Deny Meeting to U.S. Diplomat, Keep Democratically Elected President under “Virtual House Arrest”
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — In a diplomatic standoff, coup leaders in Niger refused to allow a senior U.S. diplomat to meet with the country’s democratically elected president, who is currently under “virtual house arrest,” according to Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland. Nuland described her conversations with the mutinous officers as difficult and unreceptive to U.S. pressure to restore civilian rule.
“They were quite firm about how they want to proceed, and it is not in support of the constitution of Niger,” Nuland told reporters after her two-hour meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey. The meeting included some leaders of the military takeover, but the coup’s top leader, former presidential guard head Abdourahamane Tchiani, did not meet with the Americans.
Nuland made it clear to the junta leaders the consequences that would follow if democracy is not restored. Under U.S. federal law, a cutoff of most American assistance, particularly military aid, is required if a democratically elected government is overthrown through unconstitutional means. Nuland also expressed concern for the welfare of President Mohamed Bazoum, who she said is being detained with his wife and son.
The coup in Niger has also generated regional tensions, prompting leaders of West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, to schedule a meeting later this week to discuss next steps. ECOWAS had given the junta a deadline to reinstate President Bazoum, warning of using military force if he is not returned to power. However, the junta has defied the deadline and accused foreign powers of preparing an attack. In response, the mutinous soldiers closed the country’s airspace and called on Niger’s population to defend the nation.
The coup has raised questions about the future of the fight against extremism in Africa’s Sahel region, where groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have been expanding their influence. Niger has been a crucial counterterrorism partner of the United States and is seen as the last major partner in the Sahel.
Mali and Burkina Faso, both neighboring countries with military juntas in power, have announced their support for Niger and are sending delegations to show solidarity. However, Nigeria’s Senate has pushed back on the plan to invade Niger and called on Nigeria’s president, who currently chairs ECOWAS, to explore alternative options.
As tensions continue to escalate, France has formally discouraged travel to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, and has suspended almost 500 million euros ($550 million) in aid to Burkina Faso. The presence of French and U.S. military personnel in Niger remains uncertain amidst the ongoing political crisis.
Despite the junta’s request for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Nuland indicated that coup leaders were not receptive to welcoming the mercenaries into the country. The junta has also exploited anti-French sentiments to consolidate its support base and has severed security ties with France.
While some citizens have rallied around the junta, expressing frustration with ECOWAS for not intervening against jihadist groups, the situation remains tense as regional bloc leaders determine the next course of action.