Joe Biden Calls for Immediate Release of Niger's President

Joe Biden, the President of the United States, called for the immediate release of Mohamed Bazoum, the President of Niger, who is currently detained following last week's military coup. In a statement, Biden declared, 'I demand the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family and the preservation of democracy in Niger, a democracy that has not been easily achieved.' He added, 'Niger is facing a significant challenge to its democracy.' The U.S. President emphasized that 'Nigerians have the right to choose their leaders. They have expressed their will in free and fair elections, and this must be respected.' On Friday, August 6, Niger's military officers introduced General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state and announced that all former institutions had been dissolved following the ousting of President Bazoum and the suspension of the constitution. Colonel Ahmedou Abdourahamane stated that France, in collusion with some people in Niger, was exploring military intervention options. The day after the coup, supporters of the military government in Niger shouted Putin's name and set the French embassy on fire. The U.S. and Europe have called on Niger's military government to restore power to the elected government. An emergency meeting of West African leaders was held regarding the coup in Niger, with the military government warning against any intervention.