US envoy expresses serious concern to Niger junta during talks.
A Senior U.S. Diplomat Holds “Frank and Difficult” Talks with Niger’s Ruling Junta
A senior U.S. diplomat recently embarked on a crucial journey to Niger’s capital, Niamey, to engage in ”extremely frank and at times quite difficult” discussions with the ruling junta. This comes after the country’s military leaders seized power from the democratically-elected president last month.
“Traveled to Niamey to express grave concern at the undemocratic attempts to seize power and urged a return to constitutional order,”
– Victoria Nuland, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs
The United States and Western Allies Fearful of Junta’s Seizure of Power
The United States and its Western allies have been deeply concerned about the junta’s takeover in Niger, as they witness their influence in the Sahel region of Africa diminishing. Niger has been a crucial partner for the U.S. in recent years, particularly in counterterrorism efforts.
France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, has specifically advised its citizens against traveling to the country due to rising anti-French sentiment, according to the BBC. Other West African nations also share concerns about the coup, prompting regional leaders to convene on Thursday to discuss the precarious situation.
The U.S. remains hopeful that a complete overthrow can be avoided and that President Mahmoud Bazoum, who has been detained but reportedly had conversations with U.S. officials over the phone, can be reinstated as the country’s leader.
However, the recent announcement by presidential guard Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, claiming to have seized power, casts doubt on this future. Adding to the complexity for the U.S. is the potential involvement of Russia’s paramilitary Wagner Group, which has long desired a presence in the country.
Possible Consequences and U.S. Response
If Bazoum remains detained and the coup persists, President Joe Biden has threatened to sever military ties with Niger, a point emphasized by Nuland during her visit this week. While speaking to reporters in Niamey, Nuland’s tone was sobering, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Notably, she did not meet with Bazoum or Tchiani, both of whom are currently in detention along with Bazoum’s wife and son.
During her visit, Nuland did, however, engage in a two-hour conversation with other military leaders, including chief of staff Brig. Gen. Moussa Barmou. She expressed the U.S.’s willingness to provide assistance ”if there is a desire on the part of the people who are responsible for this to return to the constitutional order.”
“I would not say that we were in any way taken up on that offer,”
- Nuland stated
Reports suggest that the coup against Bazoum was primarily motivated by his intention to replace Tchiani as the chief of the Nigerien presidential guard.
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