Stuttgart – US President Joe Biden has called for ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum’s release.
The appeal comes in the wake of a military coup that led to Bazoum’s removal from power just a week ago. As tensions escalate and diplomatic efforts intensify, the global community has expressed deep concerns about the situation.
“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy,” Biden said in the statement released on Thursday to coincide with Niger’s 63rd independence anniversary.
The call for action comes on the heels of the US Embassy in Niger taking precautionary measures, ordering the temporary evacuation of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members.
The diplomatic mission is remaining operational, with senior leadership continuing to operate from within the embassy’s confines.
Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued sanctions against the coup leaders and delivered a clear ultimatum: reinstate Bazoum within a week or face the possibility of military intervention as a last resort.
France, another key player in the region, has called on Niger’s new military leadership to fully guarantee the safety of its embassy in Niamey, especially as planned demonstrations threaten to escalate tensions further.
The British Embassy has taken a proactive step by temporarily reducing its staff in response to ongoing security concerns.
Several countries have also advised their citizens to not travel to Niger, or to evacuate the country if they are already there, as worries about an escalation persist.
