On the 63rd anniversary of Niger’s independence, US President Joe Biden issued a statement calling for the immediate release of Niger’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum and emphasized the need to preserve the country’s democracy.
He expressed the United States’ commitment to supporting civilian-led governance and the democratic values shared between the two nations.
Biden’s Plea for President Bazoum’s Release:
President Biden specifically called for the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family, who were ousted a week ago by his own guard in a coup that drew condemnation from various international bodies, including the United States, European nations, and the United Nations.
Emphasizing the importance of respecting the will of the Nigerien people, Biden asserted that they have the right to choose their leaders, as demonstrated through free and fair elections.
Niger’s Fragile Democracy and Bazoum’s Election:
Mohamed Bazoum’s presidency in 2021 marked a historic moment for Niger as it witnessed its first peaceful transition of power.
However, the country has been burdened by four previous coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, making the preservation of democracy a crucial concern.
ECOWAS Demand for Restoring Bazoum to Power:
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) made a demand for the coup leaders to reinstate President Bazoum to power within a week, warning of possible “last resort” military intervention in case of non-compliance.
The situation remains critical as the clock continues to tick on the deadline set by the regional bloc.
Conclusion:
US President Joe Biden’s call for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum and the preservation of Niger’s democracy highlights the United States’ commitment to supporting democratic governance and the will of the Nigerien people.
The situation in Niger remains tense as international pressure mounts on the coup leaders to restore Bazoum to power within the stipulated time frame, with the threat of military intervention looming as a last resort option.
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