US urges Niger coup leaders to step aside in ‘direct contact’ – By Al Jazeera Staff (Al Jazeera) / Aug 7, 2023
Washington says pause on security aid to Niger would be lifted only if military rulers restore ‘constitutional order’.
The United States has been in direct contact with Niger’s coup leaders, the State Department has confirmed, as Washington continues to call for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to be reinstated.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stressed the need to return to democratic rule under Niger’s “constitutional order”.
“There has been direct contact with military leaders urging them to step aside,” Miller said without specifying which Nigerien officials.
Military leaders seized power in the landlocked West African country on July 26 and detained Bazoum, sparking international condemnation.
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