End of the 48-hour visit to Niger by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The head of American diplomacy spoke with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum before hosting a joint press conference with his counterpart Hassoumi Massaoudou.
With our correspondent in Niamey, Moussa Kaka
It was a busy day in Niamey for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. After an interview with his Nigerian counterpart, the course is set for the American embassy. A meeting with young Boko Haram repentants, especially from Lake Chad, allowed the head of the American diplomacy to soak up the gradual return to peace in this area where more than 500 Boko Haram fighters have laid down their arms.
At the presidential palace, a working session extended to delegations from the two countries and a one-on-one with President Mohamed Bazoum lasted nearly three hours. This testifies to the quality and strength of the relationship between the United States and Niger, underlined Hassoumi Massaoudou, the Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a joint press conference.
According to Antony Blinken, his country supports Niger in its efforts to fight terrorism. 150 million dollars will support Niger in the context of humanitarian aid and health; which brings total US aid to Niger to more than 1,000 billion CFA francs. Addressing Niger’s two neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, Antony Blinken said: “ You have to be very clear about the need for your neighbors to return to constitutional and democratic paths. »