Title: United States Vows Support for Constitutional Order in Niger following Military Takeover
Date: [Current Date]
In a phone call late on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, of the United States’ commitment to fully restore constitutional order in the country following the recent military takeover. Blinken offered his “unflagging support” to Bazoum during their conversation.
The United States has engaged in communications with various military leaders in Niger in its efforts to address the situation. The State Department stated that they are in contact with a “broad array” of military figures after the coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new head of state. Tchiani was responsible for the detention of Niger’s democratically elected president.
Gen Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard since 2011, went on state television on Friday, declaring himself as the “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland” and cautioning against any foreign military intervention, as it would lead to chaos. He cited the degradation of the security situation in the country, particularly linked to jihadist bloodshed, as the reason for the coup.
The United Nations Security Council, on Friday, strongly condemned the unconstitutional change of the legitimate government and demanded the immediate release of President Bazoum. The White House also expressed its condemnation of the military takeover, stating that it may halt security and other cooperation with Niger if power is acquired through force.
Niger plays a crucial role as a key partner in the United States’ fight against Islamist insurgents in the semi-arid Sahel region of Africa. The US military has been actively involved in training local forces in Niger to combat militant groups.
However, US law on foreign aid prohibits most assistance to countries where the elected head of government has been deposed in a coup, unless it is determined to be in the national security interest of the United States. This restriction poses a potential obstacle to future aid and support to Niger.
Currently, there are approximately 1,100 US troops operating in Niger from two bases. The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, is closely monitoring the situation, according to the Pentagon, which also stated that there have been no changes in US force posture and no formal requests for assistance.
French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a defense meeting on Niger, showing France’s concern over the unfolding events in one of its last allies in the Sahel region. France already has 1,500 troops stationed in Niger, but had to withdraw forces from neighboring Mali earlier this year.
President Macron denounced the coup as entirely illegitimate and dangerous, urging for the immediate release of President Bazoum and the restoration of constitutional order.
The coup has sparked growing concerns in the region, with Kenyan President William Ruto describing it as a serious setback for Africa. He highlighted the subversion of the people’s aspirations for constitutional democracy due to the unconstitutional change of government.
In response to the crisis, West African leaders will convene in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on Sunday to discuss the coup, as announced by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
President Bazoum and his family have been confined to their residence within the presidential palace since Wednesday, where they are closely guarded by the 700-strong presidential guard’s military camp. Despite the confinement, Bazoum remains in good health and has been able to communicate with other heads of state via telephone.
Having experienced four coups and numerous other attempts since gaining independence in 1960, Niger faces another challenge to maintain constitutional democracy. President Bazoum, one of the few elected and pro-western leaders in the Sahel region, has been targeted by previous coup attempts. The region has been heavily affected by a jihadist insurgency, which has contributed to the occurrence of coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.
The situation unfolding in Niger continues to draw international attention, and the United States, along with other global powers, remains committed to supporting the restoration of constitutional order in the country and ensuring stability in the Sahel region.
(Note: This news article is based on the provided content and does not reflect real-time events or statements.)