The United States has issued a call to action for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the sub-regional body to maintain and increase pressure in response to the ongoing crisis in Niger Republic.
The U.S. emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to secure the release of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since a recent coup.
Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, conveyed the stance of the U.S. administration in a statement. The U.S. Secretary of State applauded President Tinubu for his strong leadership during the ECOWAS Second Extraordinary Summit focusing on the Niger situation. The statement highlighted the necessity of continuous pressure on the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland to reinstate constitutional order and facilitate the release of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family.
The statement issued by the U.S. Secretary of State’s office read: “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with President Bola Tinubu. The Secretary commended President Tinubu’s leadership of the ECOWAS Second Extraordinary Summit on the situation in the Republic of Niger. He noted the importance of maintaining pressure on the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland to restore constitutional order and to see President Mohamed Bazoum and his family released.“
President Mohamed Bazoum has been held captive within his Presidential Palace residence in Niamey since his ousting by the military on July 26. The coup resulted in the suspension of the constitution and the establishment of a 21-member transitional government.
The U.S. government’s vocal support for ECOWAS’ intervention aligns with the broader international concern about the political turmoil in Niger Republic. By urging sustained pressure, the U.S. is contributing to diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability and democratic governance in the embattled nation.
