Niger Coup: US Official Heads To West Africa

Niger Coup: US Official Heads To West Africa

A high-ranking official from the United States is embarking on a diplomatic mission to West Africa in an effort to reverse the military takeover that occurred in Niger a month ago.

Molly Phee, the US Assistant Secretary, is embarking on this trip to address the situation. The State Department stated on Friday that during her journey, Phee will advocate for the preservation of Niger’s hard-won democracy and the prompt release of President Bazoum, his family, and government officials who have been unjustly detained.

Phee’s itinerary includes visits to Nigeria and Ghana, two democratic powerhouses in the region that have spearheaded the call to reinstate Niger’s elected government.

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She will also travel to Chad, a neighboring country with a history of instability, and a partner in Western military efforts.

Niger’s military took President Mohamed Bazoum into custody on July 26. President Bazoum, who has collaborated with US and French forces against militants in the Sahel region, was democratically elected.

Additionally, Phee will hold consultations with senior officials from Benin, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Togo, which are fellow members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Both Nigeria and Ghana have played leading roles in an ECOWAS initiative to establish a standby military force aimed at reinstating President Bazoum.

While in Chad, Phee will also address the violence in neighboring Sudan and the ongoing political transition within Chad itself. General Mahamat Idriss Deby assumed control of Chad in April 2021 following the passing of his father, long-serving leader Idriss Deby. He pledged a political transition, which has been extended since then.