BY JIBRIL TURE

Since the democratically elected president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, was removed from power by the military on July 26, the U.S. government has refrained from calling the power grab a coup. In a press statement released a few hours ago today, October 10, by the Office of the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, the government finally designated the power change as a coup, leading to the suspension of several U.S. aid programs to the West African nation.

“The United States has concluded that a military coup d’etat has taken place in Niger,” the press statement reads, adding that “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.”

The State Department’s spokesperson recalls that the U.S. government had “temporarily paused certain foreign assistance programs to the government of Niger, totaling nearly $200 million,” on August 5—that is ten days after the power change. In accordance with the section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, the press statement also says, “That assistance is now also suspended.” But that is not all.

The designation of the removal of President Bazoum as a coup has other consequences. “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.” However, humanitarian aid such as food and health assistance to the people of Niger will continue.

Despite these measures, the United States appears to still show interest in the situation in Niger. “The United States also intends to continue to work with regional governments, including in Niger, to advance shared interests in West Africa,” says the U.S. State Department’s spokesperson. “We stand with the Nigerien people in their aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability.” He states U.S. support for the Economic Community of West African States’ efforts to work with Niger to achieve a return to democratic rule right after the power change on July 26.

The spokesperson, who reiterates the United States’ call for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained,” made it clear that “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.”

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