Niger: Antony Blinken says US supports ECOWAS approach
By Nfor Hanson Nchanji
The United States Secretary of State said that the US supports diplomatic efforts made by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to restore constitutional power in Niger.
On July 26, 2023, presidential guards led by General Tchiani Abdouramane, seized power from President Mohamed Bazoum. It was the first military takeover in 13 years. The junta cited economic recession as the main reason for the coup. French interference in internal affairs was also mentioned.
Tchiani later created the National Council for the Safeguard of Homeland, led by himself, President and chief of the armed forces.
On July 30, ECOWAS held an extraordinary session, where it gave a one-week ultimatum to the military junta to leave power.
Interviewed by RFI, the US Diplomat said, his country supports the West African bloc in efforts to restore constitutional order
“We will stop our aid, our support if they do not fix things,” Blinken said.
“It is certain that diplomacy is the preferable means to solve this situation. This is what the ECOWAS is doing, we support this move,” he added.
ECOWAS led by Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a second extraordinary summit in Abuja on August 10, 2023. This comes days after the bloc was blocked from entering Niger.
A military option as suggested by Tinubu has been greatly criticized, including by his own Senate.
