Nigerien Brigadier General, previously supported by the U.S., has become the key communication link between the U.S. and the military junta in Niger.

 

A Nigerien Brigadier General, previously supported by the U.S., has become the key communication link between the U.S. and the military junta in Niger.

An article in The Wall Street Journal discusses the role of Brigadier General Moussa Salaou Barmou, a prominent officer who participated in the coup.

Brigadier General Barmou, who has established himself as the primary diplomatic conduit between the U.S. and the junta, gained recognition through discussions with Victoria Nuland. He not only leads the Special Forces but also belongs to the military elite that the U.S. has long nurtured in Niger.

After completing military education, Barmou caught the attention of the U.S. and underwent training at Fort Benning in the USA. In 2004, he assumed command of Niger's inaugural special forces unit, which had received training from Americans. In 2007, he pursued studies at the U.S. National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his pro-U.S. stance, Barmou strongly opposes France. During meetings with American counterparts, he openly expressed anti-French sentiments.

The U.S. government views Barmou as a representative to further their interests in Niger, while the military junta sees him as a bridge between themselves and the Western nations.

Given this context, ECOWAS's allegations of invasion appear increasingly unfounded.

#Niger #USA