The following Readout was published by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs on July 26. It is reproduced in full below.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum. The Secretary conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for President Mohamed Bazoum and Niger’s democracy. He emphasized that the United States stands with the Nigerien people and regional and international partners in condemning this effort to seize power by force and overturn the constitutional order. Secretary Blinken underscored that the strong U.S. economic and security partnership with Niger depends on the continuation of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law and human rights.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs