The United States has strongly condemned the overthrow of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum but has stopped short of labeling it a “coup d’état” in order to maintain some flexibility. Unlike France, which has suspended direct aid and initiated the evacuation of its nationals, the United States has not taken such actions yet. Washington believes that there is still a “small window” for diplomacy and the restoration of President Bazoum to his rightful position, while also commending the firm message sent to the coup leaders by the countries of East and West Africa.
John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, stated on Tuesday that there were no indications of direct threats to US citizens or facilities in Niger, and therefore, the US has not altered its current posture or suspended aid. However, the Pentagon announced the suspension of “security cooperation,” which primarily involves training, with the Nigerien army.
France, Niger’s former colonial power, has begun evacuating its nationals and other Europeans from the country, with the first plane departing from Niamey to Paris on Tuesday evening.
As for why the United States has refrained from officially recognizing the situation as a coup, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized on Tuesday that it is still uncertain whether the attempt to seize power will ultimately succeed. Designating it as a coup under US law would require the cessation of all economic and military cooperation, with exceptions related to counterterrorism efforts. By avoiding this classification, the US maintains flexibility in case the coup fails.
The United States provides several hundred million dollars in aid to Niger, including humanitarian assistance, and has approximately 1,000 troops deployed in the country as part of the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
The US has expressed full support for the firm stance taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which issued a one-week ultimatum to the military junta in Niger to restore constitutional order. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Niamey in March, has been in close contact with partner countries in the region, France, and President Bazoum himself.
In an interview with AFP in March, Blinken highlighted Washington’s support for Niger, including a program to reintegrate former jihadists, an irrigation improvement project, and resilient agriculture. The Biden administration sees engagement in Africa as vital in countering growing influences, particularly from Russia. However, the coup in Niger poses a significant setback to these efforts.
Blinken made it clear that continued US aid to Niger would depend on the restoration of democratic order and developments on the ground. The US could suspend aid in the future, without specifying a timeline. A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “If we come to the conclusion that a coup has taken place, we will follow American law. It’s an attempt at a power grab. We don’t think it’s been fully successful and we think there’s a small chance of reversing it.”
The official also highlighted that General Abdourahamane Tiani, the new leader in Niger, has not gained full consensus within the army and appears to be acting out of personal interest to protect his position. The US official dismissed any direct involvement of the Russian mercenary group Wagner but acknowledged that they may try to capitalize on the situation. It is worth noting that General Tiani does not seem to enjoy significant popularity within Niger.
The United States will continue to monitor the situation closely, and its actions will be guided by developments on the ground, the restoration of democratic order, and the best interests of its citizens and facilities in Niger.
Image Credit: ORTN/Reuters
