The United States has concluded that a military coup d’etat has taken place in Niger while pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, suspending most assistance to the Government.
According to the statement released by the State Department Spokesman, Mathew Miller on Tuesday, stated further that the United States stand with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability.
Recall in August 5, 2023 the United States temporarily paused certain foreign assistance programs to the government of Niger, totaling nearly $200 million after the military junta took over the Goverment, puting President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and others on detention.
The United States declared that this assistance is now suspended while noted that the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s suspension of all assistance to Niger, including all preparatory work on $302 million Niger Regional Transportation Compact with new activity on its 2018 Compact.
Reiterated that US stand with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability. “Since the coup, we have supported the Economic Community of West African States’ efforts to work with Niger to achieve a return to democratic rule.
The United States recalled for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained, adding that any resumption of assistance will require action by the National Council for Safeguarding Homeland to usher in democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe.
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in the Republic of Niger, the Army Staff, announced the seizure of power by the Military Command of the Nigerien Armed Forces.
The coup has raised fears for the security of the Sahel region. Niger is the world’s seventh-biggest producer of uranium, the radioactive metal widely used for nuclear energy and treating cancer.
The Regional bloc ECOWAS has imposed sanctions, including a halt in all financial transactions and a national assets freeze, and said it could authorise force to reinstate Bazoum, who is still locked in his palace.