Niger Republic: United States Calls President Tinubu, Advises Him on Next Step

The United States has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by President Bola Tinubu to apply more pressure in the Niger Republic situation.

The United States warned the sub-regional body not to put its foot off the pedal.

They insisted that more pressure should be applied to ensure the release of President Mohamed Bazoum.

According to a statement by Matthew Miller, the spokesman of the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, the United States commended Tinubu for the stringent measures applied so as to restore democracy in the embattled country.

The statement says: "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with President Bola Tinubu.

"The Secretary commended President Tinubu's leadership of the ECOWAS Second Extraordinary Summit on the situation in the Republic of Niger.

"He noted the importance of maintaining pressure on the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland to restore constitutional order and to see President Mohamed Bazoum and his family released."

Bazoum has been held in his Presidential Palace residence in Niamey since he was ousted by the military on July 26.

The military suspended the constitution and appointed a 21-member transitional government.