Niger/Bazoum case: Provisional release of Salem Bazoum, Washington appreciates CNSP’s humanitarian gesture

Through a statement dated Tuesday, January 9, 2024, published on the social media of the United States Embassy in Niger, Washington announced that it took note of and appreciated the temporary release of Salem Bazoum, the son of the former ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. It expressed the desire to see the release of the former president and his associates materialize as well.

It is worth recalling that, like Togo and Sierra Leone, the United States plays a mediating role between the Nigerien authorities and ECOWAS to find a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the current crisis, especially for the easing of heavy sanctions imposed on Nigeriens.

The United States also played a guarantee role with the Togolese Republic in the matter of withdrawing French troops from Nigerien soil.

A process that was successfully concluded on Friday, December 22, 2023, with the departure of the last French soldiers who were still stationed in Niger.

Washington was one of the first capitals to acknowledge the coup d’état on July 26, 2023, before announcing the gradual resumption of cooperation with Niger after their relations cooled following the takeover by the CNSP.

Ultimately, it is up to the Nigeriens to make decisions favorable to the sovereignty of the country.

The CNSP is tasked with protecting Niger against any insecurity and threats, ensuring the reconquest of national territory and the restoration of peace, stability, and the total sovereignty of the country, and ensuring sustainable development for the well-being of the Nigerien population.

To achieve this, appropriate and well-thought-out decisions must be made, especially avoiding proposals that would undermine the dignity and honor of the Nigerien people.