The United States’ government has pledged its unwavering support for the deposed president of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum.

Mr Bazoum was removed in a coup headed by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, better known as Omar Tchiani, the leader of the presidential guards unit, earlier this week.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned those holding Mr Bazoum that “hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance” may be jeopardized.

Gen Tchiani has previously declared himself the new head of the country.

Mr. Blinken spoke on phone with Mr. Bazoum for the second time in two days, pledging that Washington will continue to work to “ensure the full restoration of constitutional order and democratic rule in Niger.”

In a separate call to Niger’s former president, Mahamadou Issoufou, Blinken said he “regretted that those detaining Bazoum were threatening years of successful cooperation and hundreds of millions of dollars” in support, according to department spokesman Matt Miller.

Speaking in a televised address for the first time, the head of the juntas took over the country because of several problems in Niger, including insecurity, economic woes and corruption, among other matters.

Following similar military takeovers in Burkina Faso and Mali, the coup in Niger has added to the region’s insecurity.

It has been roundly criticised by international communities such as the African Union, the West African regional bloc (Ecowas), the European Union, and the United Nations among others.

News agencies