New US Ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon has formally presented her credentials to President Abdourahamane Tiani, marking a thawing in tense diplomatic relations between the two countries.
This ceremony comes after a period of political turmoil, in a context where the US had initially announced that the ambassador whose nomination was confirmed by the Senate in July 2023, would not present her credentials due to the military takeover in Niger and the resulting political situation.
This presentation of credentials is therefore part of a dynamic effort to restore bilateral relations.
Since the coup d’état in July 2023, relations between the two countries had been tested, notably with the termination of the military agreements in March 2024 and the
gradual withdrawal of American forces from the Agadez base.
At the same time, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine met with US Ambassador Troy Fitrell in Washington on April 25 to discuss ways to strengthen political, economic and trade ties between Niamey and Washington.
This meeting demonstrates the two countries’ desire to move beyond past tensions.
FitzGibbon emphasised that the US and Niger share common interests aimed at strengthening security, stability and economic development in the Sahel region.
She also reaffirmed the importance of growing bilateral trade to support sustainable
development.
In another development, the US embassy in Niamey reopened its consular services in March 2025 after suspending them in December 2024.
This return to normal consular services is also seen as a sign of the stabilisation of relations between the two countries.
AC/Sf/fss/jn/APA