U.S. declares July takeover in Niger was a military coup
The Hindu
US declares Niger takeover a coup, suspends assistance but no plans to change troop presence. Despite US urging, junta has refused to abide by constitutional guidelines to restore civilian and democratic rule.
The United States on October 10 declared that the July takeover in Niger was a military coup d'etat, which results in officially suspending assistance to Niger, but there are no plans to change the U.S. troop presence in the country, senior administration officials said.
Niger has been a key partner for Washington's fight against Islamist insurgents who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more.
The decision, which limits what assistance Washington can provide the country, was made after it became clear the junta did not want to abide by constitutional guidelines to restore civilian and democratic rule, a senior official said.
Assistance that would be affected by the coup designation was already paused, but October 10th's decision officially suspends it.
"We're taking this action because over the last two months, we've exhausted all available avenues to preserve constitutional order in Niger," the official said.
The United States has been pressing for a diplomatic resolution of the crisis that erupted on July 26 when
Niger military officers seized power, deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and placed him under house arrest.