Biden Demands Niger’s Bazoum Immediate Release

US President Joe Biden urged on Thursday the immediate release of Niger’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum and the preservation of the country’s democracy, according to a press release by the White House on the 63rd anniversary of Niger’s independence.
“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy.”
On US-Niger bonds, Biden commented, “In this critical moment, the United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance.”
In an address criticizing the toppling of democratically elected President Bazoum, the U.S. president asserted, “Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders. They have expressed their will through free and fair elections—and that must be respected.”
The United States ordered Wednesday the evacuation of its diplomatic staff and their families from Niger, saying that their safety and security is a top priority.
The clock is ticking as the West African regional body ECOWAS warned Sunday that the coup leaders will face military retaliation unless ousted Bazoum is brought bake in office.