“The United States has concluded that a military coup d’etat has taken place in Niger,” US Department of state office says in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Journalist101 recalls that on July 27th, 2023, the Presidential Guard of President Mohamed Bazoum announced that they have taken over the government in a bloodless coup d’Etat.
The US which initially rejected the military takeover in the Uranium-rich west African country through Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson of the Department of State said they have suspended most of their assistance to the government of Niger, while calling for a speedy transition to democratic rule.
Mr. Miller also noted that the U.S will also maintain their humanitarian assistance to the country and called for the release of the overthrown president, his family and all those detained alongside.
The statement reads:
“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. On August 5, the United States temporarily paused certain foreign assistance programs to the government of Niger, totaling 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.
“We stand with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability. Since the coup, we have supported the Economic Community of West African States’ efforts to work with Niger to achieve a return to democratic rule. 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.”
