Leaders of the recent coup in Niger have refused a meeting with a senior U.S. diplomat, Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland. They arrived in the country to engage with the West African nation’s democratically elected president. The president, Mohamed Bazoum, is currently described as being under “virtual house arrest” by Nuland.
Nuland’s efforts to mediate between the coup leaders and President Bazoum were met with resistance. As the mutinous officers displayed a lack of receptivity to U.S. pressure for a swift return to civilian rule. She characterised the discussions as “extremely frank and at times quite difficult.” The senior U.S. diplomat conveyed her concern for the ongoing situation and President Bazoum’s well-being during a two-hour meeting held in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
According to Nuland, the coup leaders are resolute in their intentions and are operating against the constitutional framework of Niger. She emphasised the potential consequences. Moreover, informing them that certain forms of U.S. support would be legally suspended if the country does not restore its democratic governance. In line with federal law, the U.S. is compelled to halt most American assistance. Particularly military aid, if a democratically elected government is ousted through unconstitutional means.
Junta’s Response and Heightened Security Measures
The meeting with coup leaders included discussions with General Moussa Salaou Barmou, who received training in the U.S., along with three of the colonels implicated in the takeover. Notably, the primary leader of the coup the former head of the presidential guard Abdourahamane Tchiani, refrained from engaging with the American delegation.
As the situation escalates, West Africa‘s regional bloc, ECOWAS, has announced its intention to convene later this week. To deliberate on the course of action following the coup’s defiance of a deadline to reinstate President Bazoum. The gathering is scheduled for Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. ECOWAS had previously cautioned the potential use of military force should Bazoum not be reinstated promptly.
Meanwhile, the junta, the faction behind the coup, has taken additional measures. Indeed, closing Niger’s airspace and alleging foreign powers’ involvement in a purported attack plan. In a statement broadcast on state television, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for the coup leaders, acknowledged “the threat of intervention being prepared in a neighbouring country.” As a result, Niger’s airspace will remain inaccessible until further notice. With any attempts to breach the airspace met with swift and robust countermeasures.
The ongoing political turmoil in Niger has garnered international attention, prompting concerns over the country’s stability and democratic future. As diplomatic efforts continue and regional blocs convene, the world watches closely for developments in this evolving situation.