US Secretary of State discusses Niger situation with West African partners

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with representatives from ECOWAS member states and Mauritania to discuss the political crisis in Niger. They emphasized the release of President Mohamed Bazoum and others unlawfully detained by the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland in Niger. The United States has taken measures to support ECOWAS pressure on the CNSP, including restricting assistance and suspending MCC compacts. The meeting highlighted ECOWAS's commitment to defending democracy in West Africa.