The United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, has visited Nigeria to mediate on the political situation in Niger Republic, which has been under military rule since July 26.

A statement published on website of the US Secretary of State, said the US envoy arrived in Nigeria on Friday and will hold talks with the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, as well as leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).


The meeting with regional leaders gathering for the ECOWAS Heads of State Summit, according to the statement will be held on Monday, December 10.

“During her visit, she will consult with West African leaders on how the United States can best support regional efforts to return Niger to a democratic path and to promote security, stability, prosperity, and democracy in the Sahel,” the statement reads.

SaharaReporters reports that Niger military junta led by Abdourahmane Tchiani toppled the country's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.


Despite condemnations from the 15-member West African Nation led by Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu imposing a swift sanctions on one of the poorest Africa nation, the Coup leaders have refused to reinstate the deposed leader, who has remained under house arrest.

Phee’s visit to Nigeria comes four months after the military coup.

Niger holds strategic economic and geopolitical significance internationally considering its two natural resources, uranium and oil, which are sought after in the international market.

Junta leaders have justified toppling the democratic government of Bazoum, who was accused of not containing the incessant insecurity situation in some parts of the country.