US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs to Engage Nigeria’s President on Regional Concerns
Molly Phee, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, is scheduled to embark on a visit to Nigeria this Friday.
During her trip, Ms. Phee plans to meet with Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, in conjunction with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State Summit, set for December 10.
The summit will provide an opportunity for Ms. Phee to engage with regional leaders and discuss pertinent issues concerning Niger Republic.
The U.S. Department of State released a statement outlining the purpose of Ms. Phee’s visit. It stated that her consultations with West African leaders aim to explore how the United States can best support regional initiatives to restore Niger to a democratic trajectory.
The discussions will also encompass promoting security, stability, prosperity, and democracy in the Sahel region.
Ms. Phee’s visit comes four months after the coup in Niger Republic, where the military junta has maintained control since overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum.
Western nations, including the United States, have decried the military intervention, expressing solidarity with the African Union and the ECOWAS bloc, spearheaded by President Tinubu.
Niger Republic holds strategic importance on the international stage due to its rich uranium and oil resources, both in high demand in the global market.
The military junta, in justifying its actions, accused President Bazoum of failing to address the pervasive insecurity in certain parts of the country.
Source: Peoples Gazette
