Washington: The "current political crisis," according to the US State Department, will prevent Kathleen Fitzgibbon, the new US ambassador to Niger, from formally presenting her credentials. Fitzgibbon has already arrived in Niamey, the country's capital.
According to a statement, "Ambassador Kathleen Fitzgibbon has travelled to Niamey at the request of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to lead our diplomatic mission in Niger and strengthen efforts to help resolve the political crisis at this crucial time."
The State Department continued, "She is uniquely positioned to lead US government efforts in support of the American community and the preservation of Niger's hard-earned democracy as a career senior diplomat with significant experience specialising in West Africa.
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The arrival of Fitzgibbon in Niger "does not reflect a change in our policy position but responds to the need for senior leadership of our mission at a challenging time," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in a statement.
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The crisis in Niger, which started on July 26 when military officers took control and deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and put him under house arrest, has been under diplomatic pressure from the US.
Fitzgibbon's "diplomatic focus will be to advocate for a diplomatic solution that preserves the constitutional order in Niger and for the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family, as well as all those unlawfully detained," according to Miller.
The main regional bloc for West Africa announced on Friday that it had decided on an unnamed "D-Day" for a potential military intervention to reinstate democracy in Niger should diplomatic efforts fail.
nigerIn order to advance security, stability, democratic governance, and the rule of law in the Sahel, Miller continued, "We remain committed to working with African partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)." Fitzgibbon, a career diplomat, was appointed to the position in July by the US Senate, almost a year after her nomination.