Victoria Nuland, a senior US diplomat, has met with top military junta figures in Niger.
This was confirmed on Monday by the US State Department.
The new chief of staff of the military, General Moussa Salaou Barmou, and three other junta members were met by Nuland, the acting deputy secretary of state, in Niamey.
She communicated Washington’s “grave concern regarding developments in Niger and our resolute commitment to supporting democracy and constitutional order,” according to a statement from State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
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In the discussion, Nuland explained what would be at risk if Niger did not “respect its own constitutional order,” Miller said.
“This includes the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and security support for the people of Niger,” she highlighted.
In a call with reporters, she described the more than two hours of chat as “extremely frank and at times quite difficult.”
She claimed that Nuland’s request to speak with ousted and imprisoned President Mohamed Bazoum was turned down.
“The United States continues to call for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those detained as part of the extra-constitutional attempt to seize power,” Miller said.
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Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, the new self-declared ruler, was also invisible to Nuland.
On July 26, a military coup led to Bazoum’s removal.
The head of the presidential guard in Niger, Tchiani, then proclaimed himself to be in charge.
He disbanded all constitutional institutions and suspended the constitution with his team of officers.
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