Coup leaders in Niger have 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 also stated that the mutinous officers were unreceptive to U.S. pressure to return the country to civilian rule. The coup leaders expressed their intentions to proceed in a manner that is not in support of Niger’s constitution. Nuland made it clear to the junta leaders that the U.S. would have to cut off support if democracy is not restored, as required by federal law. She also expressed concern for the welfare of President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being detained along with his wife and son.
Nuland’s comments came after a two-hour meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey, with some leaders of the military takeover. The meeting was with Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou and three of the colonels involved in the coup, but the top leader, former presidential guard head Abdourahamane Tchiani, did not meet with the Americans.
In response to the junta’s defiance of a deadline to reinstate the president, leaders of West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, announced that they would meet later this week to discuss next steps. The junta’s mutinous soldiers have closed the country’s airspace and accused foreign powers of preparing an attack. The junta also claimed that two central African countries were preparing for an invasion, but did not name them. They called on Niger’s population to defend the nation.
The coup in Niger 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 are expanding their influence. Niger has been seen as a vital counterterrorism partner in the region.
Mali and Burkina Faso, both neighbors of Niger run by military juntas, have sent delegations to Niger to show support. However, regional tensions have mounted, and it is unclear what actions ECOWAS leaders will take. Nigeria’s Senate has pushed back on the plan to invade, urging the exploration of other options. Guinea and Algeria have come out against the use of force, while Senegal and Ivory Coast have expressed support for efforts to restore constitutional order.
The junta has reportedly asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner, but Nuland indicated that coup leaders did not seem receptive to welcoming them into the country. The junta is exploiting anti-French sentiments to gain support and has severed security ties with France, which still has military personnel in Niger for counterterrorism efforts.
France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally discouraged travel to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, and called on French nationals to be extremely vigilant. France has also suspended aid to Burkina Faso. The future of the French military presence and the 1,100 U.S. military personnel in Niger remains uncertain.
Many people, particularly youth, have rallied around the junta and taken to the streets at night to patrol, urged to guard against foreign intervention.
What are the reasons behind E’s rejection of calls for a return to civilian rule in Niger?
E rejected the calls for a return to civilian rule, further escalating the political crisis in Niger.
The U.S. diplomat’s unsuccessful attempt to meet with President Mohamed Bazoum reflects the deteriorating situation in the country. Not only is Bazoum under “virtual house arrest,” but his detention has been accompanied by the detainment of his wife and son.
Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland expressed her concerns over the coup leaders’ disregard for Niger’s constitution and their lack of response to U.S. pressure to restore democracy. She made it clear that failure to do so would result in the U.S. cutting off support, as mandated by federal law.
During a meeting with some of the military leaders involved in the coup, including General Moussa Salaou Barmou and three colonels, Nuland emphasized the need for a return to civilian rule. However, the top leader of the coup, former presidential guard head Abdourahamane Tchiani, did not attend the meeting, suggesting a lack of unity among the coup leaders.
The junta’s refusal to meet a deadline set by West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, has prompted the bloc’s leaders to convene and discuss their next course of action. The ECOWAS leaders are likely to consider measures to exert pressure on the junta and find a solution to the ongoing crisis.
Overall, the situation in Niger remains tense as coup leaders persist in their defiance, while regional and international actors continue to push for the restoration of democracy and the release of the detained president and his family.
This is a clear violation of democratic principles and the international community must condemn such actions.
I hope the US diplomat continues to press for a meeting and the release of the democratically elected president. Human rights and democracy should always be defended.