The military junta in Niger Republic led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani has cut off ties with Nigeria after the efforts of Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to resolve the ongoing impasse failed.
ECOWAS had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum to avoid possible clash with the junta.
Meanwhile, the US has thrown its weight behind the ECOWAS led by the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu to reinstate Bazoum. In a statement by the White House on on Thursday, US President, Joe Biden called for the immediate release of Bazoum.
The American leader said the release is essential for defending fundamental democratic values, and standing up for constitutional order, justice, and the right of peaceful assembly, which are foundation to the partnership between Niger and the US.
“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy. The United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance,” he said in the statement.
