Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
US President Joe Biden has taken action in response to the recent coup in Niger, urging for the immediate release of the country’s elected leader, President Mohamed Bazoum, and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Niger’s democratic principles.
In an official statement released on Thursday, coinciding with Niger’s 63rd independence anniversary, President Biden declared, “I strongly advocate for the prompt release of President Bazoum and his family, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-won democratic system.
During this crucial juncture, the United States stands united with the citizens of Niger, honoring our longstanding alliance rooted in mutual democratic values and support for civilian-led governance.”
The ousting of 63-year-old Bazoum from power by his own security forces a week ago has drawn widespread condemnation from the United States, European nations, and the United Nations.
President Biden underscored, “The people of Niger possess the inherent right to select their leaders. Their intent was expressed through transparent and impartial elections – a choice that demands respect.”
Bazoum’s victory in the 2021 elections marked a significant milestone, signifying Niger’s first peaceful transition of power. This achievement was remarkable given the nation’s history, marred by four prior coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.
A sense of urgency prevails as the clock ticks on the West African regional coalition ECOWAS’s ultimatum, issued last Sunday, demanding the swift restoration of Bazoum to authority within a week. Failure to comply could lead to the potential “last resort” of military intervention.
The broader perspective reveals a disconcerting narrative of geopolitical tensions between Western powers, China, and Russia, with the African continent serving as the contested arena.