FitzGibbon arrived in the country on Saturday, the State Department has said.
The United States has named a “high-ranking” diplomat to lead its diplomatic mission in Niger and support efforts to the political crisis in the country.
A statement from the US Embassy in Niger at the weekend said at the “request of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon traveled to Niamey to lead our diplomatic mission in Niger and support efforts to resolve the political crisis at this critical time”.
FitzGibbon arrived in the country on Saturday, the State Department has said.
The US and others including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have condemned the coup d'état in Niger that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
The statement reads, “As a high-ranking diplomat with a long experience in West Africa, she is uniquely placed to lead the efforts of the American government on behalf of the American community and the preservation of the democracy acquired, hard fought by Niger.
“Due to the current political crisis in Niger, Ambassador FitzGibbon will not officially present her credentials. Her arrival does not indicate a change in our political position, but responds to the need for high-level leadership of our mission at a difficult time.
“Its diplomatic mission will be to advocate for a diplomatic solution that preserves the constitutional order in Niger and the immediate release of President Bazoum, his family and all persons detained unequally.
“We remain committed to working with our African partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to promote security, stability, democratic governance and the rule of law in the Sahel.”
The statement described Kathleen FitzGibbon as a Senior Foreign Service Officer and Ambassador to the Republic of Niger.
“Prior to her appointment, Kathleen most recently served as Deputy Chief of Mission for the United States Embassy Abuja, Nigeria. Prior to that, Ms. FitzGibbon served first as West and Southern Africa Division Chief and then as Director of the Africa Bureau of Analysis Bureau of Intelligence and Research, U.S. Department of State Washington, D.C,” it added.