World War III Watch: Pro-Russia Junta Leader in Niger Blows Off Victoria Nuland
Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland showed up in Niamey, Niger, at the request of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but was denied meetings with the coup leader and deposed President.
The coup leaders in Niger refused to allow Nuland to meet with the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, whom she described as under “virtual house arrest.”
Traveled to Niamey to express grave concern at the undemocratic attempts to seize power and urged a return to constitutional order.
— Under Secretary Victoria Nuland (@UnderSecStateP) August 7, 2023
The coup leader and self-proclaimed new President Abdourahamane Tiani refused to meet with Nuland, who previously sought to “promote democracy” and influence the elections in neighboring Nigeria in February.
Important meeting with Chief of Staff to the Nigerian President Ibrahim Gambari and National Security Advisor Babagana Monguno. We discussed Nigeria’s upcoming elections and our shared efforts to advance human rights, Nigerian security, and our growing 🇺🇸 🇳🇬 partnership. pic.twitter.com/sXIsyKy7cf
— Under Secretary Victoria Nuland (@UnderSecStateP) February 16, 2023