U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed strong condemnation of any attempts to seize power by force in Niger and conveyed deep concern over the attempted takeover during a call with
Nigeria President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement from the White House.
As of Thursday afternoon, Niger President Mohamed Bazoum remained detained in the presidential palace, and the situation regarding the leadership of the country remained uncertain, following the military coup declared by soldiers on Wednesday evening.
France, the former colonial power of Niger, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, and the United States have all called for the immediate release of President Bazoum and a restoration of constitutional order. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also echoed the call for the return of constitutional governance.
"The vice president strongly condemned any efforts to seize power by force in Niger, and emphasized that our substantial cooperation with the government of Niger is contingent on Niger’s continued commitment to democratic standards," the White House statement read on Thursday.
The United States has been providing significant support to Niger since 2012, with approximately $500 million in assistance aimed at bolstering the country's security.
During the call with President Tinubu, Vice President Harris reaffirmed the commitment to "defending democracy" in West Africa and the Sahel region. Niger's recent coup marks the seventh such attempt in West and Central Africa since 2020 and raises concerns about potential setbacks to democratic progress and the fight against jihadist insurgency in the region, where Niger has been a crucial ally for Western nations.
In addition to discussing the situation in Niger, Vice President Harris expressed support for President Tinubu's efforts to reform Nigeria's economy. This includes steps to end fuel subsidies and unify foreign currency exchange rates, measures that are seen as crucial for economic stability and growth in Nigeria.
The United States remains closely engaged in monitoring the situation in Niger and the broader West African region, reiterating its commitment to democratic principles and the importance of upholding constitutional order. Photo by NigerTZai, Wikimedia commons.