Global Concerns Rise Over Safety of Democratically Elected President of Niger Amid Political Turmoil
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the United States will hold the Niger junta accountable for the safety of President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, and detained officials following the recent coup, leading to a temporary suspension of foreign aid; echoing the ECOWAS sentiment.
US Secretary of State Blinken asserts accountability of Niger junta for the safety of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, following a coup that led to aid suspension and ECOWAS’s call for constitutional order restoration. (PHOTO: Asharq Al-Awsat)
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US Vows Accountability for Safety of President of Niger Amidst Junta’s Reign After Coup
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a stern message on Thursday, affirming that the United States will hold the military junta accountable for the safety and security of Niger’s democratically elected President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and detained government officials. This statement comes in the wake of a recent coup that ousted President of Niger, prompting the U.S. to temporarily suspend certain foreign aid programs to Niger.
According to Reuters, Blinken, echoing the sentiment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stressed the necessity of restoring constitutional order in Niger. The West African regional bloc has taken decisive action, activating a standby force with the option of employing various measures, including force, to ensure a peaceful return to democratic governance for the President of Niger, as reported.
ECOWAS Determination Echoed by Blinken Amid Rising Niger Tensions; International Watch on President’s Safety and Region’s Stability
The report stated that in response to ECOWAS’s commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution, Blinken expressed appreciation for the bloc’s determination. This comes as tensions mount around Niger, a significant uranium producer that once stood as a crucial Western ally, including the President of Niger, in countering the rise of Islamist insurgents in the Sahel region.
The military junta, which seized control on July 26, remained defiant against an ECOWAS-set deadline for the President of Niger to relinquish power by August 6. According to SwissInfo, they have responded by closing Niger’s airspace and asserting their readiness to fend off any foreign intervention. In response, ECOWAS has pledged to impose a range of sanctions, including travel restrictions and asset freezes, against those obstructing President Bazoum’s reinstatement to power.
As the situation unfolds, international stakeholders closely monitor the evolving crisis, with a particular focus on how the United States and ECOWAS will jointly navigate the path towards restoring democratic governance for the President of Niger while ensuring stability in the region.
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