The United States has decided to partially suspend support for Niger in West Africa, major foreign media reported on the 4th (local time). This is interpreted as a move to increase pressure on the military forces that staged a coup and ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
According to reports, U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken stated in a press release that day, "We are suspending some foreign aid programs that supported the Niger government," adding, "Humanitarian aid and food assistance essential for survival will continue."
Secretary Blinken emphasized, "As we have made clear since the onset of the situation, U.S. support to the Niger government depends on respect for democratic governance and constitutional order," and added, "We are working to help protect the democracy that the people of Niger have arduously achieved. We repeatedly urge the immediate restoration of the democratically elected Niger government."
Foreign media analyzed that the ousting of President Bazoum threatens the United States' strategic priorities in the West African region. Niger is a strategic stronghold for the U.S. and other Western countries in their fight against Islamic extremist forces.
Meanwhile, the Niger military forces led by Abdourahmane Tiani, chief of the presidential guard, staged a coup on the 26th of last month and ousted President Bazoum. Tiani, who self-proclaimed as chairman of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, the new head of state, has maintained a hardline stance despite demands from the international community.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
