Niger is a key Western ally in a fight against Islamist insurgents. Foreign powers have condemned the takeover, fearing it could allow the militants to gain ground.
The United States government has ordered the evacuation of some staff and families from its embassy in Niger Republic after the military seized power in the West African country, the State Department said on Wednesday, even as the mission will remain open and senior leadership will continue working from there.
Niger is a key Western ally in a fight against Islamist insurgents. Foreign powers have condemned the takeover, fearing it could allow the militants to gain ground.
“Given ongoing developments in Niger and out of an abundance of caution, the Department of State is ordering the temporary departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Niamey,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
“The United States remains committed to our relationship with the people of Niger and to Nigerien democracy. We remain diplomatically engaged at the highest levels,” Miller said.
He said the embassy remains open for limited, emergency services to U.S. citizens.
According to Reuters, a U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity prior to the announcement, said U.S. personnel would be moved out of Niger by aircraft chartered by the State Department and military aircraft would not be used. The official said “core” staff will remain at the embassy.
The State Department is advising Americans not to travel to Niger.
In another report, the British embassy in Niger’s capital Niamey will temporarily reduce the number of staff due to the security situation, Britain’s foreign ministry said on Thursday, days after a military junta took over the African country.
“There has been a military takeover in Niger, which has led to protests and unrest,” the Foreign Office said.
“The group who organised the demonstration on 30 July (M62) have called for another on Thursday 3 August, Niger Independence Day. Protests can be violent and the situation could change quickly without warning.”
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