In a strong show of support for democracy and civilian-led governance, US President Joe Biden has called for the immediate release of Niger’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
The West African nation has been embroiled in a political crisis since President Bazoum was ousted in a coup by his own guard a week ago.
President Biden issued a statement on Thursday, expressing deep concern over the situation in Niger. He urged the coup leaders to release President Bazoum and his family immediately and emphasized the importance of preserving Niger’s hard-earned democracy.
“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy,” President Biden stated.
“In this critical moment, 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.”
Highlighting the importance of respecting the democratic process, President Biden further asserted, “The Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders. They have expressed their will through free and fair elections — and that must be respected.”
President Mohamed Bazoum, 63, made history in 2021 by winning elections that marked Niger’s first peaceful transition of power. This milestone achievement was overshadowed by the recent coup, which has raised concerns about the country’s political stability.
Niger has a history of political instability, having endured four previous coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. The recent events have drawn international condemnation, with the United States, European nations, and the United Nations expressing their disapproval of the coup.
In response to the crisis, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS has demanded the reinstatement of President Bazoum within a week. Should the coup leaders fail to comply, the bloc has warned of the possibility of resorting to military intervention as a last measure.
As the situation unfolds, international pressure continues to mount on the coup leaders to restore democratic governance and respect the will of the Nigerien people.
The call for President Bazoum’s immediate release and the preservation of democracy in Niger reflects the global community’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and supporting elected leadership.
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