The United States government has announced the temporary evacuation of non-emergency workers and their families in Niger following the current leadership crisis in the country.
This was disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson of the Department of State, Matthew Miller on Wednesday.
The US said the step is being taken out of strong caution due to the ongoing situation in Niger.
“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,” Mr. Miller said.
– Fifth coup
On July 27, soldiers of Niger’s presidential guard announced the removal of President Bazoum from power in the country’s fifth coup since 1960, citing the country’s insecurity challenges as the main reason for the military takeover. So far, about 130 members of the ruling party have been arrested.
The situation has been widely condemned by many including the European Union, and America.
The West African Union, ECOWAS on Sunday gave an ultimatum to the coup leaders for the release and reinstatement of Mr Bazoum within a week, but the military governments of the neighboring countries; Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali warned ECOWAS against intervening.
The Nigerian government has cut electricity supply to Niger in response.
– Leaving Niger
European countries have began evacuating their nationals this week.
The Department of State said the safety and security of US citizens overseas including US government personnel abroad is their utmost priority.
It also updated its travel advisory advising its citizens not to travel to Niger.
Mr. Miller said that the bilateral relationship between the people of Niger remains intact.
“We remain diplomatically engaged at the highest levels. The US Senate recently confirmed a new Ambassador, Kathleen FitzGibbon, a career diplomat with extensive experience in West Africa. Ambassador FitzGibbon is well-positioned to manage our bilateral relationship through this difficult period and we look forward to her swift arrival in Niamey,” Mr. Miller said.
The US advised its citizens in Niger to reduce unnecessary movements around Niamey and ask those interested in moving out of Niger and those requiring assistance to register via the assistance request form available on Embassy Niamey’s website: https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake
Discover more from Pluboard
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.