Blinken: US holds Niger's military junta responsible for President Bazoum

(Patria) - The United States will hold the junta that took power in Niger responsible for the safety of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, his family and detained members of the government, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"The United States joins the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in calling for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger," Blinken said in a statement released by the US State Department, Reuters reports.

The United States recently paused certain aid programs to Niger after the military junta ousted the democratically elected president.
The West African regional bloc on Thursday ordered the activation of standby forces for possible use against the junta that took power in Niger in July, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy, but all options, including force, were on the table.

"The United States appreciates ECOWAS's determination to explore all options for a peaceful resolution of the crisis," Blinken said.

The threat of invasion, although not specific, raises tensions in and around Niger, a uranium producer that was a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist insurgents who have ravaged the Sahel region.

The junta, which took power on July 26, defied the August 6 deadline to step down set by ECOWAS, instead closing Niger's airspace and vowing to defend the country from any foreign attack.