The United States Goverment has said it will be joining the ECOWAS Heads of States to hold Nigerien Military junta accountable to the safety and security of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the constitutional government.
Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who made this known in a statement released on Thursday which supporting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in calling for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
According to him, “Like ECOWAS, the United States will hold the Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) accountable for the safety and security of President Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government”.
After the one-week ultimatum for the restoration of constitutional order expired, the ECOWAS made decision to reiterate its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’etat and the continued illegal detention of President Bazoom, his family, and members of his government.
Also to further condemns the condition in which President Bazoum is being detained and holds the CMSP fully and solely responsible for the safety, security and physical integrity of President Bazoum, and members of his family and government.
Blinken said further that the United States echo ECOWAS condemnation of the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and members of the government, as well as the unacceptable conditions under which they are being held, and call for their immediate release.
The United States appreciated the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for peaceful resolution of the crisis. “Democracy is the best foundation for development, social cohesion, and stability in Niger. We stand with the Nigerien people in working toward these goals”.
In his closing remarks at the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on situation in Niger on Thursday in Abuja, Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu expressed his appreciation for member states’ dedication toward all efforts in resolving the challenges of Niger.
He emphasized that the remarkable outcome of the summit, which authorized the standby deployment of ECOWAS troops to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger, attests to the power of collaboration and unity among ECOWAS member states.
According to him, “We have reaffirmed our commitment to the people of Niger and to the progress of our entire ECOWAS Community. We will continue with that. From the Communiqué of this extraordinary summit, no option is taken off the table, including the use of force as the last resort”.
The Communiqué reads: Underscoring continued commitment to restoring constitutional order through peaceful means, the leaders noted that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS in resolving the crisis have been repelled at various intervals by the military rulership of the Republic of Niger.