The United States would hold the junta that seized power in the Republic of Niger responsible for the safety of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and detained government members. “America joins the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to call for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
The United States recently halted certain foreign assistance programs for Niger after the military junta overthrew the democratically elected president.
The West African regional bloc on Thursday ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta that seized power in Niger in July.
He said he wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy, but all options, including force, were on the table.
According to Mr. Blinken, the United States appreciates ECOWAS’ determination to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
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The threat of an invasion, though not an actual one, is raising tensions in and around Niger, a uranium producer that until the coup was a major Western ally in the fight against Islamist insurgents ravaging the Sahel region.
The junta, which seized power on July 26, defied an ECOWAS deadline of August 6 to withdraw, instead closing Niger’s airspace and vowing to defend the country against any foreign attack.
The bloc promised to apply sanctions, travel bans and asset freezes to those who prevent Bazoum’s return to power.
(Reuters/NAN)
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