The United States Goverment has sent the acting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland who had traveled to Niamey to express its grave concern regarding developments in Niger.
According to the statement attributed to the State Department Spokesman, Mathew Miller on Monday, while the United States used this opportunity to express concern on its resolute commitment to supporting democracy and constitutional order.
Recall that Media Bypass News had earlier reported that the Republic of Niger’s democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was forcibly overthrown by his military guards on July 26, 2023.
The United States continues to call for immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained as part of the extra- constitutional attempt to seize power.
The Acting Deputy Secretary met with Nigerien civil society and separately with members of the group asserting power in Niger to explain what is at stake if Niger does not respect its own constitutional order.
This includes the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and security support for the people of Niger.
Given its concerns about the negative political developments, the United States has decided to pause certain assistance for the Government of Niger while the situation remains fluid.
Stated further that as the situation evolves, the United States will make an assessment and update our assistance guidance to ensure consistency with all applicable U.S. legal restrictions and policy objectives.
She underlined that the U.S. will remain in close contact with our Allies and partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The United States Goverment had earlier paused its certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger over the forcibly overthrown of power by the military junta.
This was disclosed by Secretary of State, Antony Blinken in a statement on Friday adding that this interim measure does not impact all U.S. foreign assistance programs in Niger.
Secretary Blinken said United States made clear since the outset of this situation, that the provision of U.S. assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order.
