By Milcah Tanimu
In a strong statement delivered before the 78th United Nations General Assembly, United States President Joe Biden condemned the unconstitutional seizure of power by military forces in West and Central Africa. President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ steadfast commitment to promoting democracy worldwide.
During his address, Biden expressed his support for the actions taken by the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to exert pressure on the military junta in Niger Republic. Their objective is to restore constitutional order and reinstate the ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum.
Bazoum was forcibly removed from office by a military junta on July 26, 2023, in a coup that received widespread condemnation from key international stakeholders, including the United Nations, United Kingdom, African Union, ECOWAS, and France.
ECOWAS had already authorized a standby army to prepare for potential military intervention aimed at restoring democracy in Niger after several unsuccessful negotiations with the junta.
President Biden emphasized the importance of democracy as a tool for countries to effectively address the pressing challenges facing humanity today. He noted that the Summit for Democracy had been convened to strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption, and reject political violence. Biden stated, “We stand with the African Union and ECOWAS and other regional bodies to support constitutional rule. We will not retreat from the values that make us strong. We will defend democracy, our best tool to meet the challenges that we face around the world, and we are working to show how democracy is delivering in ways that matter to people’s lives.”
Furthermore, President Biden discussed critical global issues, including climate change and the need to harness Artificial Intelligence for the benefit and protection of citizens. He condemned the Russian war in Ukraine and rallied global support for the Ukrainian people. Biden also advocated for the expansion of the United Nations Security Council, calling for the inclusion of new permanent and non-permanent members. He stressed the importance of global institutions being more responsive to the needs of their members, particularly developing nations struggling with low incomes and poverty.
