U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu Aug. 14 emphasizing the need to restore constitutional order in Niger. The recent military action in Niger has been condemned by ECOWAS.
"It represents yet another form of provocation and contradicts the reported willingness of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to restore constitutional order through peaceful means," ECOWAS said an Aug. 14 news release.
Blinken expressed support for Tinubu's leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Second Extraordinary Summit regarding the ongoing situation in the Republic of Niger, according to a U.S. Department of State release. The meeting was confirmed by department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Blinken lauded Tinubu's efforts and underscored the importance of maintaining pressure on the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland in Niger to restore constitutional order, along with the release of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family, the State Department release said.
In the unfolding situation that has captured international attention, AP News recently reported troubling conditions surrounding Niger's first family. According to sources close to the president and within his political party, Bazoum's family has experienced disruptions in essential services, including water and electricity, and is facing food shortages.
The junta governing Niger has firmly denied these reports, accusing West African politicians and international organizations of creating a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining the junta's credibility, AP News reported.
Human rights organizations have also raised serious concerns about the fairness of a potential trial for Bazoum. The junta's newly appointed justice minister, who previously served as the country's military tribunal president, has provoked questions about the impartiality of any forthcoming legal proceedings, according to Human Rights Watch.
The situation is further exacerbated by apprehensions regarding the severity of potential penalties for Bazoum. AP News revealed conviction on specific charges under Niger's penal code could lead to the death penalty.
