We support actions taken by Ecowas to restore democracy in Niger — US
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US secretary of State, Antony Blinken
The government of United States has declared that it is in support of the measures taken by the regional bloc—ECOWAS, to restore constitutional democracy in the junta controlled Niger Republic.
US secretary of the State, Mr Antony Blinken said this while addressing reporters during a joint news conference with his Mexican counterpart Alicia Barcena Ibarra
He said, “ECOWAS, an organization that brings together West African countries, is playing a lead role in making clear the imperative of the return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS’s leadership and work on this”.
Blinken noted that the US has “deep concern” for the safety and well-being of Niger’s former President Mohamed Bazoum and his family.
“We’ve also made clear to the military leaders that we will hold them responsible for his safety and well-being
“We talked at some length about the way forward in Niger. And we’re both focused on the same thing, which is the restoration of constitutional order”.
Recall that the regional bloc on Thursday in Abuja after the 2nd Extraordinary Summit ordered the activation of its standby force in order to “restore constitutional order” in the former French colony.
Separately, in a written statement, Blinken said the US joins ECOWAS in “calling for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.”
“The United States appreciates the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis. Democracy is the best foundation for development, social cohesion, and stability in Niger. We stand with the Nigerien people in working toward these goals,” he said.
Also, he made it obvious that the US will hold the junta government accountable should anything happen to Bazoum, his family and other members of the government they held hostage.
“Like ECOWAS, the United States will hold the (National) Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) accountable for the safety and security of President Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government.”
The embattled former President, Bazoum was booted out of office on July 26 in a military coup headed by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former commander of Niger’s presidential guard.
Since then, Bazoum has reportedly been held hostage at the presidential palace in the capital Niamey.
