Military officers who seized power in Niger 14 months ago have ceded rule to a civilian government there, following the recent inaugurations of President Mahamadou Issoufou and a new parliament. The United States offers President Issoufou, all parliamentarians and the Nigerien people its deepest congratulations on this historic event.
Issoufou, a long-time political activist and opposition leader, won the March 28 presidential run-off against former Prime Minister Seyni Oumarou with nearly 58 percent of the vote. Nigeriens were given the chance to exercise their democratic rights, and the election was determined to be free and fair by U.S. and international observers. The country's return to constitutional and democratic rule is an example for its neighbors, and indeed all nations.
President Issoufou and members of the newly inaugurated parliament now have the opportunity to strengthen their country's democratic institutions, protect the rights of their people and expand the tenets of democracy to benefit all Nigeriens.
The United States is committed to Niger's future. We look forward to working with those leaders who promote democratic principles to advance the well-being, development and security of the Nigerien people.
Military officers who seized power in Niger 14 months ago have ceded rule to a civilian government there.
