Biden urges for Bazoum's release on Niger's 63rd Independence Day
3 Min Read
US strategic interests in Niger have been put in jeopardy as a result of the coup prompting ECOWAS members to threaten to resort to military intervention.
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US President Joe Biden leaves St. Edmond Roman Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, United States on July 29, 2023. (AFP)
US President Joe Biden has extended Independence Day greetings to Niger while expressing concern over the recent overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by the military junta.
In a statement published on the White House's website, Biden called for the immediate release of former President Bazoum and his family and urged the preservation of Niger's "hard-earned democracy" after the US ally lost power in the country.
As Niger marks its 63rd independence anniversary on August 3, Biden emphasized the importance of respecting the will of the Nigerien people, which was expressed through what he claimed were free and fair elections.
The coup in Niger has prompted action from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has imposed sanctions on the country. ECOWAS suspended all financial aid, froze the assets of the coup leaders, banned commercial flights to and from Niger, and closed all borders. Additionally, Nigeria, Niger's southern neighbor, cut off electricity supply to the country.
Read more: Blinken calls Niger's ousted President, reiterates the US's support
On the other hand, the Nigerien Ambassador to the United States, Kiari Liman Tinguiri, who is loyal to the overthrown President, believes that the impact of sanctions will prompt the coup leaders to relinquish power. He stated in an interview for Bloomberg TV that "sanctions have started having an effect in Niamey as we speak" and expressed hope that the military junta will come to "reason" and restore power to avoid further suffering for the people.
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power. The leader of the guard, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, declared himself as the country's transitional leader.
In response, ECOWAS issued a warning to Niger's coup leaders, giving them one week to reinstate the detained president or face potential military action to restore order in the African nation. A delegation from the regional organization has already arrived in Niger for talks with the coup leaders to find a resolution.
These efforts have been supported by the US and France whose presence and interests have been threatened by the anti-ECOWAS coup leaders.
Read more: Niger reopens land borders with neighboring nations after coup
