U.S. officials met with the top Nigerien general involved in the recent military coup in Niger on Monday, but were unable to guarantee the safety of President Mohamed Bazoum. The ECOWAS bloc has threatened to use military force, but is hoping to find a peaceful solution to the crisis through diplomacy. The U.S. and Niger are continuing to work together to resolve the situation.
Posts tagged as “Mohamed Bazoum”
On Friday, mutinous soldiers in Niger declared their leader the new head of state, raising concerns that it could hinder the nation's fight against jihadists and boost Russia's influence in West Africa. The White House National Security Council has expressed concern over the unconstitutional seizure of power, and warned that it could put at grave risk the continued security cooperation with the government of Niger. Russia has the opportunity to increase its influence in West Africa, as the international community watches to see how the situation in Niger develops.
On Wednesday, members of the presidential guard in Niger attempted to overthrow the democratically elected government and detain President Mohamed Bazoum. In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassoumi Massoudou and citizens of Niger have condemned the coup and called for a return to democracy. Demonstrators have gathered to protest the detention of President Bazoum and the situation in Niger remains uncertain as the nation awaits the outcome of the attempted coup.
A group of mutinous soldiers attempted a coup d'etat in Niger on Wednesday, claiming to have overthrown the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have condemned the attempted coup and Benin President Patrice Talon is heading to Niger on a mediation bid. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and hoping for a peaceful resolution.