US President Joe Biden called today, Thursday, for the immediate release of the detained President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, stressing the importance of defending democratic values.
“I call for the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family and the preservation of Niger’s hard-won democracy,” the US president said in a statement.
He added, “Defending basic democratic values, constitutional order, justice, and the right to peaceful assembly are essential to the partnership between Niger and the United States.”
The US President noted that as Niger celebrates the 63rd anniversary of its independence this year, it faces a serious challenge to its democracy.
He continued, “The Nigerian people have the right to choose their leaders, they have expressed their will through free and fair elections, and this must be respected.”
Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State, had spoken with Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, yesterday, Wednesday. He affirmed the support of the United States to restore the elected president to office, in agreement with the West African Group (ECOWAS).
“The United States is committed to finding a peaceful settlement that allows Niger to remain a strong partner in regional security and development,” Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesman, said in a statement.
The leader of the coup in Niger, General Abd al-Rahman Chiani, announced last week the dismissal of the country’s president, Muhammad Bazoum, the closure of borders, and the imposition of a curfew, before declaring himself ruler of the country.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency