US Acknowledges Niger Coup, Suspends Assistance

The United States of America has acknowledged the coup d’etat which happened in the Niger Republic in July 2023 and suspended its foreign assistance programs which total $200 million.

In a statement released by the Office of the Spokesperson, it maintained that it will continue to maintain its life-saving, humanitarian, food, and health assistance to Niger and work with the regional government to advance its shared interest in West Africa.

Pledging to stand with the people of Nigerien in their quest for democracy, it assured that it would support the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, in their efforts to push for the return of democratic rule in Niger.

The statement also called for the release of the ousted President Mohammed Bazoum and his family who were taken hostage by the military junta.

It stated vehemently that any return of further assistance by the US to Niger will require action from the National Council for Safeguarding Homelands for the quick return of democracy.

On 26th of July, 2023, General Abdourahamane Tchiani led a coup to avoid “the gradual and inevitable demise” of the country, and said that the ousted President Bazoum who was detained had tried to hide “the harsh reality” of the country, which he called “a pile of dead, displaced, humiliation and frustration”. 

He further declared himself President two days later. All efforts by the ECOWAS to return the country to democratic rule were refused by the military junta who also refused to see the emissaries sent by the ECOWAS whose Chairman is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.