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 “Nigeria”
Mutinous soldiers in Niger have closed the country's airspace and are checking cars for weapons in anticipation of foreign intervention. The junta has rejected the ECOWAS ultimatum to reinstate the ousted president and is convening on Thursday to discuss the political situation.
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.
At the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised African leaders tens of thousands of tons of free grain in an attempt to appease the international community and improve Russia's image in the region. The free grain announcement follows criticism of Russia's involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, which has caused a disruption in the global food supply chain. The summit was attended by 21 African leaders, with notable absentees including the leaders of several large African nations.
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.
On Monday, tragedy struck northern Nigeria when a boat carrying over 100 people returning from a wedding capsized in the Niger River, resulting in the death of approximately 100 people. Search and rescue efforts are underway, and the community has organized a relief effort to provide assistance to those affected. The incident has sparked outrage in the region, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the accident.
After six years in captivity, American aid worker Jeff Woodke has been released from Niger. The Biden administration has not released any further information, but expressed relief and gratitude to the U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs and other department officials whose work on Woodke's plight finally came "to fruition."