Reports from Niger Republic say the United States (U.S) Acting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, held talks with officials of the countries military junta and expressed the demand of the U.S. government for the release and reinstatement of the democratic government of Mohamed Bazoum.
Speaking about the meeting, Nuland said the government officials did not take up U.S. suggestions to try to restore “democratic order” and that her request to meet with Niger’s ousted president Mohamed Bazoum was declined. She also said that she did not have the opportunity to meet with the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
She is said to have also cautioned on cooperation with Russia, saying “after I warned them, the Putschist Leaders in Niger are well aware of the dangers of allying with Russia.”
Nuland added that her “meeting with the coup leaders in Niger opened the way for further talks.” It is not clear what the direct results of the meeting were, but observers believe the talks may have achieved very little in terms of concessions from the military junta.
Political watchers say the coming days may shed more light on the outcome of the talks held.
