Assistant Secretary Molly Phee spoke today with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf about the current crisis in Niger. Assistant Secretary Phee underscored strong U.S. support for the principled stand taken by ECOWAS in defense of democracy and constitutional order in Niger. Foreign Minister Attaf and Assistant Secretary Phee affirmed their respect for the African Union’s rejection of unconstitutional changes of government and shared their expectation that the Nigerien military should immediately release President Bazoum, his family, and those members of his government unjustly detained. They also discussed the important role that democracy and development play in contributing to stability and security in the Sahel.