BY JIBRIL TURE

A few hours ago this Monday evening, a press release from the office of the U.S. State Department’s Spokesperson, Mathew Miller, stated that Victoria Nuland, Acting Deputy Secretary of State, traveled to Niger where she allegedly met separately with the leaders of the coup and members of the civil society “to express our grave concern regarding developments in Niger and our resolute commitment to supporting democracy and constitutional order.”

According to the press release, Acting Deputy Secretary Nuland told his Nigerien hosts that “the United States continues to call for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained as part of the extra-constitutional attempt to seize power.”

It’s unclear when exactly the U.S. official traveled to Niamey, given that in anticipation of ECOWAS authorities’ threat to use military force to undo the coup, the coup leaders declared yesterday, Sunday, the suspension of air traffic in the country.

She explained what is at stake “if Niger does not respect its own constitutional order.”

This includes the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and security support for the people of Niger. Given our concerns about the negative political developments, the United States has decided to pause certain assistance for the Government of Niger while the situation remains fluid. As the situation evolves, the United States will make an assessment and update our assistance guidance to ensure consistency with all applicable U.S. legal restrictions and policy objectives.”

The U.S. official added that her country will remain in close contact with its allies and partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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