Niamey: In Niger, coup leaders have declined a meeting with a senior US diplomat and reportedly placed the democratically elected president under what is described as "virtual house arrest". Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland expressed that the coup leaders were unresponsive to US efforts to restore civilian rule and stressed that their actions were not aligned with the country's constitution.

During a two-hour meeting in Niger's capital, Niamey, Nuland engaged with military officials who orchestrated the takeover. She conveyed the potential consequences of failing to restore democracy, which includes the possibility of discontinuing US assistance, particularly military aid, if the government's overthrow is deemed unconstitutional.

Nuland also expressed concern for the well-being of President Mohamed Bazoum, who, according to her, is being held with his family. However, she was unable to meet with the coup's top leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is convening to discuss potential actions following the coup's defiance of a deadline to reinstate President Bazoum. The junta's mutinous soldiers have closed Niger's airspace and accused foreign powers of planning an attack. ECOWAS has previously warned of employing military force if Bazoum is not reinstated.

The coup has led to an uncertain future for Niger's fight against extremism in the Sahel region, where it was considered a key counterterrorism partner. Tensions are escalating in the region as neighboring countries express support for the ousted president or oppose military intervention. Amid these developments, Nuland's engagement indicates the diplomatic challenges at play in resolving the crisis.