The U.S Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Wednesday spoke with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, assuring him of the country’s support.
According to office of the Spokesperson U.S. Department of State, the Secretary conveyed the continued unwavering support of the United States for President Bazoum and Niger’s democracy.
He underscored that the United States rejects efforts to overturn the constitutional order, and stands with the people of Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and international partners in support of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law and human rights.
On 26 July 2023, a coup d’etat occurred in Niger, in which the country’s presidential guard detained president Mohamed Bazoum, and presidential guard commander general Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military Junta.
Presidential guard forces closed the country’s borders, suspended state institutions, and declared a curfew.
This was the fifth military coup d’état since the country gained independence from France in 1960, and the first since 2010.
