CNN —The United States “is pausing certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger” amid the military takeover in the West African country, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Friday.
Blinken described it as an “interim measure” and said it does not impact all foreign assistance programs.
“Most importantly, the provision of life-saving humanitarian and food assistance will continue,” Blinken said in a statement.
Indeed, Blinken and others have reiterated that US assistance is at risk unless the coup leaders restore democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum to power.
The Economic Community of West African States has warned that they will use military force unless the coup leaders back down by Sunday.
Persons:
Antony Blinken, Blinken, ” Blinken, ”, “, Issifou Djibo, Shutterstock, Mohamed Bazoum, we’re
Organizations:
CNN, United, African Union, National Assembly, West, State Department, US State Department
Locations:
United States, Niger, West, U.S, Niamey, Sahel, States