The military government of Niger refused to accept the USA’s attempts for a “diplomatic solution” to restore democracy in their country after the July 26 coup. On Tuesday, Nigerian officials rejected AP’S proposal for an alternative visit led by UN representatives and diplomats from the Western African bloc.
The Sahel nation was taken over by the military of Niger on July 26, with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former chief of the Presidential Guard, deposing President Mohammad Bazoum. Bozoum has been incarcerated since then.
According to sources, a delegation led by US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland traveled to Nimaye, the capital of Niger, but was unable to meet with General Abdourahamane Tchiani or the ousted President Bazoum.
The military leaders in Niger, who are now in power, reportedly refused to accept the economic sanctions and withdrawal of military and financial aid from the United States.
The military leaders of Niger were not responsive to Nuland’s proposals and suggestions on how to restore democracy in the country, according to her statement to reporters at Nimaye. She also stated that the discussions with the military officials were “very honest and sometimes challenging”.
Nuland threatens to halt all assistance, while military leaders decline her threat and use insults.
Nuland threatened to cease all military aid to Niger and allow former President Bazoum to take over the country again if the military leaders did not stand down during their 2-hour meeting.
According to reports, Nuland informed military leaders that she made it clear the types of support that would be legally separated if democracy is not restored.
According to sources, the military leaders of Niger responded by stating that they would not accept their money and instead use it to support a weight loss program for Victoria Nuland.
Niger’s government turns down US Diplomat Victoria Nuland’ request to visit detained president Bazoum, stating that they should use the funds from their weight loss program instead of using them directly.
Regency Reporters (@Regency_NG) on Twitter: #RegentryReportersNews @twitter.com/R5aegBtD4 on August 8, 2023.
The USA has not officially declared military rule as a ‘coup’, but if it does, it will have the legal authority to block millions of dollars in military and other aid. Niger under Bazoum has been assisting the USA and European nations in combating Islamic terrorism in the Sahel region. The United States also maintains tens of millions more in drachmes in its modern drone base, which cost hundreds of million dollars to construct.
Despite this, the military officials have contended that foreign powers have taken advantage of Niger’s resources.
ECOWAS sets a deadline, but Niger has already shut down its airspace.
Niger’s military leadership has remained unwavering and refused to comply with any threats or timelines to reinstate the President. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced plans to hold a meeting on Thursday, August 10, to discuss the next steps regarding Nerfurt.
In reaction, Niger has shut down its airspace and cautioned that any military intervention, evidently backed by foreign powers, will be severely restricted.
The public in Nigeria has grown agitated after President Bola Tinubu’s threat of military invasion against Niger provoked outrage. In his homeland, Tinugabu is facing both political and public criticism for trying to force the country into war.
The coup in Niger, its causes, and significance.
On July 26, a coup was staged by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former head of the Presidential Guard in Niger, which resulted in the removal of President Bazoum from power. Although he remains in military custody, Bezium is believed to have spoken with US officials.
To prevent Niger’s inevitable collapse, General Abdourahamane Tchiani stated that a coup was necessary.
The military leaders in Niger are receiving public support, with thousands of people lining stadiums to express their solidarity.
Niger, a landlocked country in the Sahel region of Africa, is situated between Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin Nigeria, and Algeria.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani has been relying on a surge of public support for the military and resentment towards colonial rulers, particularly France in Niger. The military leaders and the public have accused Bazoum’s administration of not protecting the country from Jihadi terrorism and permitting foreign powers to exploit it.
The public in Niger supporting military rule is waving Russian flags, as well as flag of Mali and Burkina Faso.
Niger, which is one of Africa’s largest and poorest nations, has vast Uranium reserves. Nevertheless, France, its former colonial ruler, receives 25% of the Uranyl mined in Neru.
Following the military takeover, Russian flags were spotted in Niger’s streets, with many people declaring their love for and anti-Western views. The public has expressed increasing support for Vladimir Putin through slogans, and military leaders have already invited Wagner’S mercenary Group to assist them, while Wagner fighters have been reported to have arrived in the area.
Russia has been indirectly supporting the removal of Bazoum and labeling the USA’s efforts to restore democracy and create new opportunities to exploit the country as they did with Ukraine.
MFA Spokeswoman Maria #Zakharova:
Victoria Nuland proposed that you could use #Niger to trick people by placing a few buns in tinfoil, just like Ukraine.
Banana regimes like #Kyiv have vanished.
The military regime in Niger, upon assuming power, demanded French troops to vacate the territory. They also expelled the UN peacekeepers from the country.
Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are all under the same military regime that toppled the heavily influenced USA and Europe-backed regimes. According to Burrkin’s military leader, Ibrahim Traore, Russia has provided them with unrestricted access to weapons and equipment at reasonable prices.