New York, 20 September 2022 (TDI): US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken
met with the President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum at the sidelines of UNGA 77 on Tuesday.
Both leaders reaffirmed the countries’ strong relationship and shared commitment to supporting good governance, peace and security, and a return to constitutional democracy in the Sahel.
I met with Nigerien President @mohamedbazoum at #UNGA to reaffirm our countries’ strong relationship and shared commitment to supporting good governance; peace and security; and a return to constitutional democracy in the Sahel. pic.twitter.com/uC84OFRsGI
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 20, 2022
US-Niger Relations
In 1960, following its independence from France, the United States established diplomatic ties with Niger.
Since Niger’s independence, US relations with the country have been mainly cordial. Bazoum Mohamed, the nominee of the ruling party, won a presidential runoff in February 2021 and assumed office in early April.
Threats arising from Libya, the Lake Chad Basin, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Mali have impeded the government’s efforts to enhance Niger’s economy, governance, promotion of human rights, and protection of basic liberties.
As a significant member of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the G-5 Sahel and a contributor to peacekeeping deployments in Mali and the Central African Republic, Niger is a vital actor in regional efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability.
United States aid to Niger
US foreign assistance to Niger is essential to maintaining peace in a nation susceptible to political instability, terrorism, and the growth of violent extremism, food tribulation, and regional instability.
Also read: US Secretary Blinken virtually met the President of Niger
US assistance aims to continue improving food security, building counterterrorism and peacekeeping capacity, and sustaining security sector reform.
It also aims to support productive agricultural enterprises, promote democracy and good governance, support justice sector reform, enhance health and education, and bolster security sector training and education.
USAID Niger became a full mission in August 2020. A $437 million Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement that went into effect in January 2018 intends to improve Niger’s agriculture and livestock sectors.
