Biden demands the Bazoum of Niger be released right away.
On Thursday, US Vice President Joe Biden urged the quick release of Mohamed Bazoum, the legitimately elected president of Niger, as well as the preservation of the nation's democracy.
The 63rd anniversary of Niger's independence was Thursday, and Biden issued a statement saying, "I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger's hard-earned democracy."
He stated, "At this crucial juncture, the United States stands with the people of Niger to uphold our decades-long cooperation grounded in shared democratic ideals and support for civilian-led administration.
Bazoum, 63, was deposed a week ago by his own guard in a coup that was denounced by the US, European countries, and the UN.
The Nigerien people are entitled to choose their own leaders, according to Biden. "Free and fair elections allowed them to express their will, and that must be respected."
Following his victory in the first peaceful transfer of power in Niger in 2021, Bazoum was celebrated.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, there had been four coup attempts before he grabbed the reins of the nation.
The ECOWAS regional grouping in West Africa has given the coup's organizers one week to restore Bazoum to power or face a potential "last resort" of military involvement. Time is running out on this demand.
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