New U.S. ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, will arrive in Niamey later this week following a coup last month, the State Department announced late on Wednesday.
State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters that there are no plans for FitzGibbon to present her credentials to coup leaders and that it is not necessary for the work at the embassy.
“She is going there to lead the mission during a critical time and to support the American community and to coordinate the U.S. government’s efforts,” Patel said.
“Her arrival does not reflect a change in our position, and we continue to advocate for a diplomatic solution that respects the constitutional order in Niger,” he added.
In previous remarks, U.S. President Joe Biden called for the immediate release of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum as well as his family.
“In this critical moment, the United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance,” Biden stated.
“The Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders,” he continued. “They have expressed their will through free and fair elections — and that must be respected.”
