Faith Nyasuguta
The United States, signaling a potential thaw in relations, expressed readiness on Wednesday to resume cooperation with Niger. This, however, comes with the stipulation that the military regime, which took control in a July coup, commits to a brief and credible transition.
Cooperation between the U.S. and Niger was suspended after the coup that ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for African Affairs, during her visit to Niamey, engaged in discussions with key Nigerien officials, including the military-appointed Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
Emphasizing the condition for renewed collaboration, she stated that the Nigerien military must declare a “deadline for a rapid and credible transition” leading to the establishment of a “democratically elected government.”
The U.S. expressed willingness to resume cooperation if the military regime takes the outlined steps.
The military proposes a maximum three-year transition period before civilian rule is restored, determined through a “national dialogue” to be convened soon.
Addressing the fate of the ousted president, it was mentioned that they are working towards a satisfactory solution for Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and members of his government.
The U.S. diplomat, who participated in an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit on Sunday, supported the regional organization’s resolutions. ECOWAS maintained stringent economic and financial sanctions on Niger after the coup, conditioning their easing on a notably “short transition.”
Encouraging the military regime to respond positively to ECOWAS negotiation offers, the U.S. affirmed support for the regional organization’s resolutions. Additionally, the new U.S. ambassador to Niger is set to present credentials soon, reinforcing diplomatic engagement with the country.
Earlier this month, a Russian delegation, headed by Deputy Minister of Defense Colonel-General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, arrived in Niger’s capital, Niamey, for discussions with military authorities following the coup in Niger at the end of July.
The visit marked the first official engagement by a Russian government representative since the coup that disrupted Niger’s diplomatic relations with international partners.
The delegation met with General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the Nigerien military regime, and both parties signed documents aimed at strengthening military cooperation between Niger and the Russian Federation.
Russia’s diplomatic presence in Niger appears to be gaining traction at a time when France, a former ally of the ousted regime, faces criticism from the new authorities.
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