Today: 1 June 2025
19 August 2023
1 min read

New US envoy Fitzgibbon arrives in Niger

The US has been pressing for a diplomatic resolution of the crisis that erupted on July 26 when Niger military officers seized power, deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and placed him under house arrest…reports Asian Lite News

Kathleen Fitzgibbon, the new US Ambassador to Niger, has arrived in the capital, Niamey, but will not formally present her credentials due to the “current political crisis,” the US State Department announced on Saturday.

“At the direction of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Ambassador Kathleen Fitzgibbon has traveled to Niamey to lead our diplomatic mission in Niger and bolster efforts to help resolve the political crisis at this critical time,” it said in a statement.

“As a career senior diplomat with significant experience specializing in West Africa, she is uniquely positioned to lead US government efforts in support of the American community and the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy,” the State Department added.

Fitzgibbon’s arrival 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,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

The US has been pressing for a diplomatic resolution of the crisis that erupted on July 26 when Niger military officers seized power, deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and placed him under house arrest.

Fitzgibbon’ “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, and all those unlawfully detained,” said Miller.

West Africa’s main regional bloc on Friday said it had agreed an undisclosed “D-Day” for a possible military intervention to restore democracy in Niger if diplomatic efforts fail.

“We remain committed to working with African partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to promote security, stability, democratic governance, and the rule of law in the Sahel,” Miller added.

Fitzgibbon is a career diplomat who was confirmed in the post by the US Senate in July, nearly a year after she was nominated.

ALSO READ-Thousands take part in UAE AI Camp

Previous Story

Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrested in Islamabad

Next Story

Palestine rejects israeli plan for 155 West Bank settlements

Latest from -Top News

UAE aid for Gaza in global focus

Titled Hope Remains, the documentary brings to light the UAE’s leading role in providing vital aid and support to the people of Gaza. The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has released a

Syria, Israel begin quiet talks

The announcement came just hours after Israeli warplanes reportedly carried out new airstrikes in Syria’s coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, hitting a range of military targets. Syria has confirmed the commencement

Gaza truce deal hits new snag

US says Hamas’ reply to the ceasefire plan was “totally unacceptable” and accused the Palestinian group of dragging the negotiations backward. The latest attempt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza has hit

IAEA flags Iran enrichment spike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in two separate but related reports, said Iran has boosted its uranium stockpile enriched up to 60% purity by nearly 50% since February. Iran has vehemently

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Go toTop

Don't Miss

‘Peace in Mideast Possible Only With Palestinian State’

Secretary Blinken says integration with a Palestinian state can unite

US to aid Israel

USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group, one of the