Us Slashes Aid To Niger

In a decisive move on Tuesday, the United States officially declared Niger's military action on July 26th, which led to the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, a coup. This declaration comes with significant consequences, as the U.S. government has decided to suspend over $500 million in assistance to Niger. The coup is seen as a threat to democracy and regional stability, particularly in the fight against jihadist insurgents in the Sahel and as a countermeasure against Russia's influence in the region. The elected President Mohamed Bazoum, a Western ally praised for his democratic leadership by President Joe Biden, was detained by the military during the coup. In response, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, "Any resumption of US assistance will require action by the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland to usher in democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe." Despite calls from the United States, West African nations, and France, urging the military to restore Bazoum to power, their efforts were in vain. A senior U.S. official explained, "We're taking this action because over the last two months, we've exhausted all available avenues to preserve the constitutional order in Niger." The coup leaders, known by their French acronym CNSP, were given a clear deadline under their own rules to restore civilian and democratic rule within 90 to 120 days. However, the U.S. official noted, "As time has passed, it's become clear that the CNSP officials we've been dealing with did not want to abide by these constitutional guidelines." Under U.S. law, a formal coup designation necessitates a suspension of assistance. Matthew Miller announced the end of nearly $200 million that was already suspended, and the termination of a $442 million package meant to improve infrastructure and trade routes for agriculture in Niger. Despite the aid cut, the United States will maintain approximately 1,000 troops in Niger, primarily focused on monitoring threats from jihadists. Additionally, the U.S. will continue operating a significant drone base near Agadez, central Niger, supporting anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel region. The situation in Niger is a critical development with implications for the wider Sahel region, as the international community watches closely for further developments.