Due to the ongoing refusal of coup leaders in Niger to back down and the attack on the French embassy in the country on Sunday, the United States has made the decision to evacuate some of the staff from its embassy. In a statement, a spokesperson from the Department of State stated, “Given the current situation in Niger and as a precautionary measure, non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members at the US embassy in Niamey are being temporarily relocated.” However, the embassy will remain operational and senior leadership will continue their work, according to the BBC. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed the US’s commitment to restoring the democratically elected government to power to Niger’s ousted president. Unfortunately, the junta has refused to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, as reported by The Guardian.
In the meantime, neighboring countries are putting pressure on the coup leaders to step down. The Economic Community of West African States has imposed sanctions on Niger, including freezing assets, and has warned that the use of force may be authorized if President Bazoum is not restored by Sunday. France and the European Union have suspended financial and development aid to the country, and the US has indicated it may follow suit. With Niger being an important ally in the fight against jihadist extremism, there are concerns that the coup could benefit militant groups. Niger is part of a larger “coup belt” present in Africa.
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