Neighbors, UN seek to deescalate Niger tensions

09 August,2023 08:12 AM IST |  Niamey  |  Agencies

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS had given the mutinous soldiers until Sunday to release and reinstall Bazoum or they threatened to use force

Coup leaders have been rallying citizens for support. Pic/AP


Nigeriens awoke on Tuesday to deepening uncertainty on whether a regional bloc will follow through on its threat to use military force to reinstall ousted President Mohamed Bazoum or if last-minute diplomacy will prevail, nearly two weeks after mutinous soldiers overthrew the country's democratically elected leader.

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS had given the mutinous soldiers until Sunday to release and reinstall Bazoum or they threatened to use force. Members from ECOWAS, the UN and the African Union were expected to join talks in the capital Niamey on Tuesday said a foreign official. Talks are expected throughout the week. ECOWAS is expected to meet again on Thursday in Abuja, the capital of neighboring Nigeria, to discuss the situation.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking to Radio France International on Monday, said diplomacy is the preferred way forward, and he couldn't speculate about the future of 1,100 US military personnel in Niger.

Top US diplomat not allowed to meet prez

Acting US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said coup leaders in Niger refused to allow her to meet the country's president, whom she described as under "virtual house arrest." Nuland also said that the mutinous officers were unreceptive to US pressure.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
west africa Niger africa world news International news
Related Stories