The United States officially declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically-elected president Mohammed Bazoum as a coup d’état, more than two months after mutinous soldiers took control.
This decision, according to a senior administration officials, was made after diplomatic efforts to uphold constitutional order, including urging the military leaders to restore civilian rule within four months, were exhausted.
In response to this coup designation, the United States suspended counterterrorism assistance, military training, and certain foreign aid programs worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, confirmed this, stating that the United States has concluded that a military coup d’etat has taken place in Niger. Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most U.S. assistance to the government of Niger.
“On August 5, the United States temporarily paused certain foreign assistance programmes to the government of Niger, totaling nearly $200 million. That assistance is now also suspended pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State’s annual appropriations act. We also note the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s suspension of all assistance to Niger, including all preparatory work on its $302 million Niger Regional Transportation Compact and all new activity on its 2018 Compact.
“We underscore that we will maintain our life-saving humanitarian, food, and health assistance to benefit the people of Niger. The United States also intends to continue to work with regional governments, including in Niger, to advance shared interests in West Africa,” he stated.
The U.S. reiterated its support for the Nigerien people’s aspirations for democracy, prosperity, and stability and pledged to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its efforts to restore democratic rule in Niger.