Niger

🇳🇪 We wish for the US government to try to convince the Niger junta to do the right thing and step down.

Can President Biden speak directly to the Niger coup leader? Can the president explain to him how and why the USA would like to help the country? Can he explain that the USA can only work with a democratic government? Can he explain to him what the consequences will be on Niger and the Nigeriens if the USA has to withdrawal our financial and military support, and how that will affect the country? Is it possible for the USA to negotiate a restoration of the democratic government?

I understand the intelligence community claims this coup happened simply because this military leader was afraid of losing his job. It's hard to believe that assessment is correct with so many Russian flags displayed by the junta's supporters. But if that is true, then this military junta has no real vision for the country, and the coup leader is simply looking for a way to maintain his personal economic security. It should be easy to find a solution, and convince him to step down.

I think either the USA or ECOWAS needs to have a talk with this coup leader to discuss his vision and goals for Niger, if he has any. He refused to meet with the ECOWAS delegation, but perhaps he will be willing to speak to the US president or US officials. We need to know if he is interested in improving his country's situation or just his own. And if he is concerned for his country, what it is that he wishes to accomplish for his country by committing this coup. Assuming his goals are similar to ours, which is to help Niger become secure and more prosperous, I think we could help him realize that we have the same mission, but that the USA can only work with a democratic government and he will serve his country better by stepping down. I think if we really try we can convince him that the USA will be a much better partner for Niger than the Wagner Group, and that we care more about the Nigeriens' welfare. I think if the USA can earn his trust, and ensure his security, he may be willing to step down and peacefully restore the democratic government.

xo