The U.S. Department of State has issued an order for a temporary partial evacuation of the U.S. embassy in Niamey due to the recent military takeover of Niger’s government. This measure applies to all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members, considering the limited availability of commercial flights. However, the embassy will remain open to provide limited emergency services for U.S. citizens. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that U.S. leaders are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts at the highest levels.
Last week, military leaders backing Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani seized control of the democratically elected government in Niger and detained President Mohamed Bazoum. Subsequently, Tchiani was declared the country’s head of state by mutinous soldiers.
The Biden administration has refrained from categorizing the takeover as a “coup” while maintaining approximately $200 million in humanitarian and economic support for Niger. However, military cooperation with Nigerian forces has been suspended. The U.S. has not indicated any plans for evacuating the estimated 1,100 U.S. troops involved in counterterrorism, surveillance, and intelligence activities alongside Nigerian forces.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the State Department emphasized its rejection of any attempts to undermine Niger’s constitutional order and expressed solidarity with the people of Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and other international partners in upholding democratic governance, rule of law, and human rights.
The European Union, as well as countries like France, Germany, and Italy, have also suspended their assistance to the Nigerian government and urged their citizens to take evacuation flights out of Niger.
U.S. citizens seeking assistance in leaving Niger should submit an assistance request through the Department of State’s website.
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