US President Joe Biden called on Thursday, July 03, 2023, for the “immediate release” of the ousted President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum, detained since last week by soldiers at the origin of a coup.
“I call for the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family, and for the preservation of democracy won with great struggle in Niger”said Mr. Biden in a statement issued on the day of the 63rd anniversary of the proclamation of independence of this West African country, a key military base for Western forces in their fight against jihadists in the Sahel.
“At this critical time, the United States stands with the people of Niger in a partnership that has lasted for decades, rooted in shared democratic values and support for a civilian government,” Biden added.
“Nigeriens have the right to choose their leaders. They have spoken in free and fair elections and this must be respected,’ he said.
In his statement, he stressed the importance of the partnership between the United States and Niger where US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had come in March and met with President Bazoum.
“The defense of fundamental democratic values and support for constitutional order, justice and the right to peaceful assembly are essential in the partnership between Niger and the United States,” he said.
Niger has become an essential ally of the West, including France with a thousand soldiers stationed. The Biden administration wants to engage more in Africa to counter the growing influence of China and – more recently – Russia.
The United States has an air base in central Niger, used to fly drones to attack and monitor jihad.
