New US Ambassador Fitzgibbon arrives in Niger
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The new US Ambassador to Niger, Kathleen Fitzgibbon, arrived in the Niger capital Niamey on Saturday to carry out her duties, the US State Department said.
It is noted that Fitzgibbon made a trip to Niamey “at the direction of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken” in order to lead the American diplomatic mission in Niger, and also “to strengthen efforts to resolve the political crisis there at this critical time.”
The document also says that Fitzgibbon will not present his credentials due to the current political crisis in Niger. It is also noted that the arrival of the new ambassador “does not demonstrate any change” in the political position of the United States, “but meets the need for high-level leadership” of the US diplomatic mission “at this difficult time.”
The Ftzgibbon will seek to maintain constitutional order in Niger and the release of President Mohamed Bazum.
Earlier it was reported that Washington is looking for ways to keep American troops in Niger in order to continue the fight against terrorism in the region, even if the Niger military refuses to return power to Bazum.
The Associated Press reported that the US military command is preparing plans in the event of the evacuation of two bases from Niger – drones and a base used to fight against terrorists, which are located in Niamey and the city of Agadez (northern Niger).
On Saturday, an ECOWAS delegation arrived in the capital of Niger for talks with the putschists. The day before, ECOWAS spokesman in charge of peace and security Abdel Fattah Musah said that ECOWAS member countries are ready to intervene in the situation in Niger “as soon as the order is given.” He also said that “the day of a possible intervention has been determined,” but refrained from giving details.
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