Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland embarked on an unforeseen diplomatic mission to Niger, addressing a burgeoning political crisis. Speaking via teleconference, Nuland shared her insights and experiences from the high-stakes visit, according to an Aug. 7 news release.
"It was so difficult, and remains difficult to see the current challenge to the democratic order which began on July 26," Nuland said in the release, citing the value the U.S. places in its relationship with Niger.
Her focus for the visit was on democratic norms, bilateral relations and peaceful resolutions navigating regional challenges, the release reported.
Niger, a key partner in various fields, including security and counterterrorism, recently grappled with a challenge to its democratic foundations that erupted. Nuland, on this third visit to the country, voiced the importance of the bilateral relationship between the countries which encompasses not only economic ties, but also shared security concerns and democratic values.
Nuland's mission held a twofold purpose: to extend support to the legitimately elected president, President Mohamed Bazoum, and to seek diplomatic solutions to the brewing crisis, the release noted. She highlighted the calls made by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Bazoum and other regional leaders, demonstrating the U.S.'s commitment to democratic norms.
During her stay, Nuland engaged with a diverse range of Nigerien civil society members, including journalists, human rights activists and democratic advocates, according to the release. These interactions aimed to gauge the pulse on the ground and explore potential avenues for peaceful resolution.
Nuland conceded the task of persuading those behind the challenge to democratic order to return to the negotiating table was no small feat, the release said.
Nuland's discussions extended to the self-proclaimed chief of defense of the operation, General Barmou, and his team. The interactions were marked by straightforward conversations about the importance of adhering to Niger's constitution and the potential consequences for the bilateral relationship if democratic norms were not restored, the release reported.
While Nuland's visit focused on peaceful dialogues, she noted the U.S. temporarily paused assistance due to the situation. She remained hopeful the crisis's architects would ultimately lean toward diplomatic solutions, although no concrete commitment for further talks was secured during her visit, the release said.
Nuland also delved into the pressing issue of private military company Wagner's involvement in the region, according to the release. She raised concerns about the threats it posed to national sovereignty and regional security. The implications of this engagement were a clear point of discussion during her interactions with Nigerien leaders, she said.
Regarding the overall trip, Nuland said it was "a difficult mission but a necessary one from the perspective of American interest in trying to see if this very difficult situation can be solved diplomatically," according to the release.
