United States has formally declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically-elected president a coup d’état, more than two months after rebellious soldiers seized power.
This was confirmed by the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Tuesday.
A senior administration officials disclosed that the U.S. was taking action after exhausting all avenues to preserve constitutional order in the West African nation, including urging the military leaders to restore civilian rule within four months in compliance with the constitution.
The coup designation comes with the suspension of counterterrorism assistance and military training as well as the putting on hold of certain foreign assistance programmes worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Blinken, said, “The United States has concluded that a military coup d’etat has taken place in Niger. Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most U.S. assistance to the government of Niger.
“On August 5, the United States temporarily paused certain foreign assistance programmes to the government of Niger, totaling nearly $200 million. That assistance is now also suspended pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act. We also note the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s suspension of all assistance to Niger, including all preparatory work on its $302 million Niger Regional Transportation Compact and all new activity on its 2018 Compact.
“We underscore that we will maintain our life-saving humanitarian, food, and health assistance to benefit the people of Niger. The United States also intends to continue to work with regional governments, including in Niger, to advance shared interests in West Africa.”
While reiterating that it stands with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability, the U.S. reaffirmed its support to all interventions by the Economic Community of West African States in its efforts to achieve a return to democratic rule.
“Any resumption of U.S. assistance will require action by the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland to usher in democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe.
“The United States reiterates its call for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained,” Blinken added. Also, a senior official who pleaded anonymity said: “As time has passed it’s become clear that the (junta) officials that we’ve been dealing with did not want to abide by these constitutional guidelines and, in fact, they’ve told us that they’ve chosen to repeal that constitution and are in the process of creating a new draft with an uncertain timeline.”
U.S. Ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, remains in the country and has been in contact with the military junta.
The administration official said any resumption of suspended assistance will require action by the coup leaders to usher in democratic rule in a quick and credible timeframe and the release of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum who’s been under house arrest with his wife and son since July.
