Biden Urges Release of Niger President Ousted in 'Coup'... "Democracy Must Be Protected"

U.S. President Joe Biden on the 3rd (local time) called for the release of Mohamed Bazoum, the President of Niger, who was ousted in a military coup.

In a statement issued on the day marking the 63rd anniversary of Niger's independence from France, President Biden demanded "the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family and the preservation of Niger's hard-won democracy."

President Joe Biden of the United States
[Photo by Yonhap News]

President Biden said, "Niger, celebrating its 63rd year of independence this year, is facing a serious challenge to democracy," adding, "The United States stands with the people of Niger at this critical moment to uphold the decades-long partnership between our two countries based on shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance."

He continued, "The people of Niger have the right to choose their leaders," and "They expressed their will through free and fair elections, which must be respected." He emphasized, "Upholding fundamental democratic values and defending constitutional order, justice, and the freedom of peaceful assembly are essential to the partnership between Niger and the United States."

In Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, political turmoil has continued since the 26th of last month, when a military faction led by Abdourahmane Tiani, the head of the presidential guard, staged a coup and ousted President Bazoum.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.