US Embassy Partially Evacuated from Niger Amid Post-Coup Tensions
The United States has made the decision to partially evacuate its embassy in Niger due to escalating tension following the military coup in the West African country. In an official statement, the US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated that the move was made out of an abundance of caution. Non-emergency officials have been ordered to temporarily leave Niger, while the embassy will continue to provide limited emergency services.
On July 26, President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by members of his guard who detained him at the presidency, declaring a coup. General Abdourahamane Tiani was appointed as the new head of state after the military took control. In response to these developments, the US has stationed forces in Niger to help the ousted president counter the dissident military.
According to Miller’s statement, the safety and security of US citizens overseas, as well as officials serving abroad, are of paramount importance. The Department of State is therefore temporarily evacuating non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members from the US Embassy in Niamey. The statement further emphasized the US’s rejection of any attempts to overthrow Niger’s constitutional order. Miller reiterated that the US stands with the people of Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and other international partners in supporting democratic governance, the rule of law, and human rights.
The US’s decision to partially evacuate its embassy follows similar measures taken by European countries in Niger. On Wednesday, the first of many planned military aircraft departed Niger, heading for Paris with 262 passengers, mostly from France and Italy. To ensure the safety of its citizens, the US has also issued a travel warning advising against unnecessary trips to Niger.
In conclusion, in response to the military coup in Niger, the United States has taken precautionary steps by partially evacuating its embassy and ordering non-emergency officials to temporarily leave the country. The US continues to stand in solidarity with Niger’s people, ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners in supporting democratic governance, the rule of law, and human rights. European countries have also been evacuating non-essential staff from Niger, and the US has issued a travel warning for its citizens.
