The United States, as of yesterday, formally classified the removal of Niger’s democratically-elected president as a coup d’état, an official declaration that came more than two months after mutineers seized power.
A statement from senior administration officials indicates that the United States has initiated action after thoroughly considering all avenues for safeguarding constitutional order in the West African nation. This included urging military leaders to reinstate civilian rule within a four-month window, as dictated by the constitution.
The coup classification has led to the suspension of counterterrorism aid and military training, along with the temporary cessation of specific foreign assistance programs, the combined worth of which reaches hundreds of millions of dollars.
Confirming this, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said: ‘The United States has concluded that a military coup d’etat has taken place in Niger. Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most U.S. assistance to the government of Niger.’
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‘On August 5, the United States temporarily paused certain foreign assistance programmes to the government of Niger, totalling nearly $200 million. That assistance is now also suspended pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act. We also note the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s suspension of all assistance to Niger, including all preparatory work on its $302 million Niger Regional Transportation Compact and all new activity on its 2018 Compact.’
‘We underscore that we will maintain our life-saving humanitarian, food, and health assistance to benefit the people of Niger. The United States also intends to continue to work with regional governments, including in Niger, to advance shared interests in West Africa.’
While restating its support for the aspirations of the Nigerien people towards democracy, prosperity, and stability, the U.S. committed to supporting any endeavours by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at restoring democratic governance.
‘Any resumption of U.S. assistance will require action by the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland to usher in democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe.’
‘The United States reiterates its call for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained,’ Blinken added. Also, a senior official who pleaded anonymity said: ‘As time has passed it’s become clear that the (junta) officials that we’ve been dealing with did not want to abide by these constitutional guidelines and, in fact, they’ve told us that they’ve chosen to repeal that constitution and are in the process of creating a new draft with an uncertain timeline.’
Kathleen FitzGibbon, the U.S. Ambassador to Niger, remains in the country and has established communication with the military junta.
The administration officials clarified that the resumption of suspended assistance hinges on the prompt and credible actions of the coup leaders to reinstate democratic rule. This includes the release of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest with his family since July.