Deadlock in Niger despite Washington envoy's visit

WASHINGTON — US Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland met Niger's coup leaders on Monday to push for a solution to its current political crisis, amid growing concerns over the failure to restore order in the West African country.

The meeting with the self-proclaimed chief of defense of the July 26 coup, Moussa Salaou Barmou, and three of the colonels supporting him, took place in Niger's capital Niamey, Nuland told the press via a teleconference.

Nuland's visit came as an ultimatum for the military leaders to release and re-empower the now deposed and detained Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum expired on Sunday.

The Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, a regional bloc comprising 15 West African nations, issued the ultimatum and threatened the use of force to "restore constitutional order" in Niger if the military failed to comply.

Members from ECOWAS, the United Nations and the African Union were expected to join talks in Niamey on Tuesday, a foreign official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Niger's former economy minister, has been named the new prime minister by the coup military leaders, Niger's news agency ANP reported on Monday.

The military's spokesperson made the announcement on television late Monday night.

On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over the failure to restore constitutional order in Niger.

"The secretary-general is concerned over the continued detention of President (Mohammed) Bazoum and the failure so far to restore constitutional order in Niger," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Guterres.

Guterres reiterated his full support for the ongoing mediation efforts of ECOWAS. He emphasized the urgent need to ensure that lifesaving humanitarian work continues unhindered, and that the UN Humanitarian Air Service, which provides a vital link to remote communities in Niger, is allowed to operate and continue to serve the local residents, Haq said.

The UN secretary-general's special representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simao, is also providing support to regional stakeholders, he said.

"We're well aware of the passage of that deadline. We're monitoring the situation," said Haq, adding that Santos Simao will be in touch with his ECOWAS counterparts.

Xinhua - Agencies