JABAR EKSPRES –US President Joe Biden has called for the immediate release of Niger’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
In a statement, the White House emphasized that defending the fundamental values of democracy, as well as defending constitutional order, justice, and the right of peaceful assembly, are all critical to the US and Niger partnership.
“I call for the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-won democracy,” Biden said in the statement released by the White House on Thursday (8/3), the 63rd anniversary of Niger’s independence from France.
Biden emphasized that the US stands with the people of Niger to honor the two countries’ decades-long partnership, which is rooted in democratic values and support for civilian-led government.
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A day earlier (8/2), the US ordered the evacuation of all non-emergency government employees from its embassy in Niger – amid fears of escalating conflict.
European countries, including France, have also evacuated their nationals from the West African country.
On July 26, 2023, Bazoum was detained by members of the presidential guard before the military announced it had staged a coup and seized power in Niger.
Last week, Niger Presidential Guard Commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself head of the transitional government, two days after ousting Bazoum.
Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have imposed heavy sanctions on Niger, and called on the leaders of the military coup to restore Bazoum to power within one week.
