Kathleen Fitzgibbons, the new US Ambassador to Niger, has arrived in the capital, Niamey, but will not formally present her credentials due to the "current political crisis," the US State Department announced on Saturday.
Fitzgibbons' arrival in Niger "does not reflect a change in our policy position but responds to the need for senior leadership of our mission at a challenging time," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.
The United States has been pressing for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis that erupted on July 26 when Niger military officers seized power, deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and placed him under house arrest.
Fitzgibbons' "diplomatic focus will be to advocate for a diplomatic solution that preserves the constitutional order in Niger and for the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family, and all those unlawfully detained," said Miller.
West Africa's main regional bloc on Friday said it had agreed to an undisclosed "D-Day" for a possible military intervention to restore democracy in Niger if diplomatic efforts fail.
Fitzgibbons is a career diplomat who was confirmed in the post by the US Senate in July, nearly a year after she was nominated.
Kuwait air defences deal with Iranian missile, drone attacks
Two Palestinian teens killed in West Bank raid by Israeli settlers, army
Chinese students marooned in floods unleashed by Typhoon Saudel's rains
US and Iran exchange attacks as lull in war appears over
Malta court clears businessman over murder of investigative journalist
Kuwait confirms no injuries after Iranian drone hits residential complex
Nepal flood rescue hopes dim as China restores access to Tibet disaster zone
At least 21 die in bus accident in Egypt's South Sinai, ministry says
