General Moussa Salaou Barmou, the “self-proclaimed chief of defence” of Niger and a longtime member of the U.S. Special Forces, allegedly planned a coup and had a thorough understanding of democratic principles and the consequences for transgressions.
Mr. Barmou is one of the three putschists who are backing General Abdourahmane Tiani, the new military dictator of Niger.
Victoria Nuland, the acting deputy secretary of state, said during a question-and-answer session, “With regard to the – to us, interestingly, General Barmou, former Colonel Barmou, is somebody who has worked very closely with U.S. Special Forces over many, many years.”
UPDATE: Top US Diplomat, Victoria Nuland Meets Leaders Of Niger Military Junta
Following a pivotal initial meeting between U.S. officials and members of the military junta in Niger as part of a key diplomatic effort to restore democratic governance to the country, Ms. Nuland made this statement.
According to Ms. Nuland, the United States is attempting to negotiate a settlement in the Niger conflict and has “gone through in considerable detail the risks to aspects of our cooperation that he has historically cared about.”
The American undersecretary said, “So we are expecting that will sink in.
The U.S. will continue to closely monitor the conversations with the allies and partners required to ensure their success, Ms. Nuland said, saying that multiple regional meetings are taking place to negotiate with coupists to release President Mohamed Bazoum and step down.
“If there is a desire on the part of the people who are responsible for this to return to constitutional order, we are prepared to help with that. We are prepared to help address concerns on all sides,” Ms Nuland stated. “I would not say that we were in any way taken up on that offer, but I hope that they will think about it.
Niger Coup: See What Tinubu Told ECOWAS Leaders To Do
The U.S. envoy added, “Obviously, we are at the stage where our assistance is paused. There are – there is still a lot of motion here on many sides with regard to where the governance situation will go.”
The democratically elected administration of Mr. Bazoum of Niger was overthrown by coup plotters, who also suspended the constitution of the country.
The military junta in the country continues to oppose attempts to break the standoff by placing the deposed president under house arrest despite widespread criticism of the coup d’etat from the ECOWAS, EU, UN, U.S., and France.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gave the coup plotters till Sunday to repudiate Mr. Bazoum.
Niger Coup: Military Rulers Arrest 180 Members From Former Govt
On Thursday in Abuja, ECOWAS has arranged a second extraordinary session to discuss the political situation in Niger.
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