In a special teleconference briefing on Tuesday, US acting Deputy Secretary Victoria Nuland delivered a clear message to the Niger junta: return to constitutional order or face the risk of invasion by the United States. The briefing highlighted the gravity of the situation in Niger and the growing concern among the international community.
Nuland emphasized that the US is closely monitoring the evolving governance situation in Niger and reiterated that the US’s assistance has been temporarily halted due to the ongoing unrest. She stressed the importance of a peaceful diplomatic resolution and expressed a strong desire to avoid any form of military intervention.
“We understand our legal responsibilities and I explained those very clearly to the guys (Niger junta) who were responsible for this and that it is not our desire to go there, but they may push us to that point,” Nuland stated during the briefing. She urged the junta to exercise prudence and consider the diplomatic alternatives that are on the table.
Nuland also revealed that President Joe Biden remains committed to supporting Niger’s economy, security, and counterterrorism efforts. She underlined the continuous communication between President Biden and various African leaders, including President Bazoum of Niger and President Tinubu of Nigeria, who currently heads the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The coup’s deployment of Wagner security forces was another significant topic during the briefing. Nuland emphasized that the junta needs to consider the potential risks to their country’s sovereignty when inviting Wagner forces. She also highlighted the broader consequences of involving Wagner in security operations, such as worsening security conditions and human rights violations.
