Blinken cautions Niger’s US support at risk due to coup.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken Responds to Niger Military Coup
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued his first public response to the military coup in Niger, which has resulted in the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by members of his own presidential guard.
Guards defected to hold Bazoum, 63, captive over disagreements of his administration handling a growing insurgence in the country. While the coup instigators claim Bazoum has not been harmed, they have threatened harm should there be foreign interference. All government institutions have subsequently closed.
Threat to Economic and Security Partnership
Blinken emphasized the significance of the economic and security partnership between the United States and Niger, which amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars. He stated that this partnership depends on the continuation of democratic governance and constitutional order, which has been disrupted by the recent actions.
“So that assistance, that support, is in clear jeopardy as a result of these actions, which is another reason why they need to be immediately reversed,” Blinken said at a press conference.
Blinken further conveyed the State Department’s strong message to those responsible for disrupting the constitutional order and Niger’s democracy. However, it remains uncertain whether this messaging will have any impact on Bazoum’s safety.
International Recognition of Bazoum’s Legitimacy
The United States, along with the European Union, maintains that Bazoum is the legitimate ruler of Niger. Bazoum has been in office since 2021.
Last year, Bazoum acknowledged the U.S. for its contribution to infrastructure development in Niger, including road construction and modernization of the agriculture sector. Education is also a top priority for his administration, with direct assistance provided by several European countries, particularly France. France has committed to recognizing Bazoum as the only president of Niger.
Niger holds democratic elections for its president, and Bazoum won in a runoff election. He belongs to the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, the same party as the previous president, Mahamadou Issoufou.
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