It makes geopolitical sense but it also saves money to be given away to other foreign wars if these pesky Senate Republicans cave in this time!
On Tuesday, October 10th, U.S. government officially labeled the recent removal of Niger’s democratically-elected president as a coup d’etat, more than two months after rebellious soldiers seized power. U.S. senior officials explained that they had exhausted all efforts to uphold constitutional order in Niger, including urging the military leaders to reinstate civilian rule within four months as prescribed by the constitution. In response to this coup declaration, as well as in the wake of the recent budget crisis, the U.S. has suspended counterterrorism aid, military training, and specific foreign assistance programs, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. It’s very possible these dollars will soon be redirected to other troubled regions such as Ukraine or Israel…
According to unnamed officials, it has always been evident that the junta officials in charge were not interested in adhering to constitutional guidelines but they’d rather strengthen their ties with like-minded neighbors such as Mali and Burkina Faso. They have even indicated their intention to repeal the constitution and are in the process of creating a new draft without a clear timeline. U.S. Ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, is actively engaged with the military junta to address the protection and logistical needs of U.S. personnel. To resume suspended assistance, the leaders of the coup must ensure a swift and credible transition to democratic rule and release the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest with his family since July.
