The United States Goverment has sent Senior Diplomat, Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon to Niamey, Niger to advocate for a diplomatic solution that preserves constitutional order and release of President Mohamed from detention.
According to the statement released by the State Department Spokesman, Mathew Miller on Saturday, following Secretary of State, Antony Blinken’s directive, while Amb. FitzGibbon will bolster efforts to help resolve the political crisis at this Niger critical time.
Recalled that President Bazoum, 63, and his family have been held at the president’s official Niamey residence since the military junta toppled the democratically elected President on July 26, with international concern mounting over Bazoum’s conditions in detention.
The United States Goverment has said it will be joining the ECOWAS Heads of States to hold Nigerien Military junta accountable to safety and security of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the constitutional government.
Due to the current political crisis in Niger, US Ambassador, FitzGibbon will not formally present credentials. “Her arrival does not reflect any change in our policy position, but responds to the need for senior leadership of our mission at a challenging time”, it said.
Being a career senior diplomat with significant experience specializing in West Africa, Amb FitzGibbon will be uniquely positioned to lead US Govt efforts in support of the American community and the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy.
According to the statement, “Her diplomatic focus will be to advocate for a diplomatic solution that preserves constitutional order in Niger and for the immediate release of President Bazoum, his family, and all those unlawfully detained”.
United States remains committed to working with African partners, which includes the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Union, to promote security, stability, democratic governance, and the rule of law in the Sahel.