U.S. says detained Bazoum still Niger president; contacts predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou

The United States government says Mohamed Bazoum is still the president of the Niger Republic and that it is in touch with the West African country’s former President Mahamadou Issoufou, amidst a putsch.

“There are some important pieces in here. First, President Bazoum is still president. He has not resigned. It’s also our understanding that the foreign minister – we have reports of the foreign minister indicating that he is the head of the government,” stated Vedant Patel, the principal deputy spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, during a press briefing on Thursday, noting that the situation in Niger was “fluid.”

“We, of course, will continue to pay close attention and remain in touch with appropriate officials” and other regional partners, said Mr Patel.

The U.S. official acknowledged that the embattled Niger president was in detention.

“So, at this time, we understand that President Bazoum is detained in his residence. We call for the immediate release of President Bazoum and for the respect of the rule of law and public safety.”

The State Department official revealed that the U.S. government was “gravely concerned about the developments in Niger” as the “situation remains fluid.”

“We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to be in close touch with the embassy in Niamey. As you all know, Secretary Blinken spoke to President Bazoum yesterday. He conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for President Bazoum and Niger’s democracy. He emphasised that the U.S. stands with the Nigerien people and regional and international partners in condemning this effort to seize power by force,” Mr Patel explained.

He added, “I will also note that Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee had the opportunity yesterday to speak with Foreign Minister Hassoumi and former Nigerien President Issoufou to condemn the efforts to seize power, as well as encourage their roles in facilitating negotiations between President Bazoum and the instigators of this takeover. Our CDA, Susan N’Garnim, also spoke with the foreign minister by phone yesterday as well.”

The official stressed that the U.S. “continues to remain deeply engaged on this,” and “we’re monitoring and paying attention, very closely in touch with officials from the constitutionally elected government of Niger as well as our colleagues at the embassy.”