The United States has issued an order for the partial evacuation of its embassy in Niger in response to last week’s coup.
Numerous foreign nationals have already been evacuated from the country, and just recently, protesters targeted the French embassy on Sunday.
Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the coup, has cautioned against any interference in Niger’s internal affairs.
Despite an official prohibition on demonstrations, protests in support of the coup are anticipated on Thursday to coincide with Niger’s independence day.
France, the former colonial ruler of Niger, has requested assurances from the military junta now in control of the nation regarding the security of their embassy.
The attack on the French diplomatic facility led to the organization of evacuation flights.
There is an observed military presence around several embassies, ministry offices, and the presidential palace, as reported by Sadissou, who is located in Maradi, Niger’s second-largest city.
However, despite the apparent calm, he noted that the situation remains fragile.
“The situation has changed and so people are very anxious. They’re anxious about the future, about what’s going to happen.”
Niger holds notable status as a major uranium producer and is strategically positioned along a vital migratory path to North Africa and the Mediterranean.
According to the state department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in a conversation with the deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum, on Wednesday. The state department emphasized the United States’ dedication to reinstating Niger’s democratically elected government.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson, affirmed that despite the partial evacuation, the US embassy in the capital city of Niamey would continue to operate.
“We remain committed to the people of Niger and our relationship with the people of Niger and we remain diplomatically engaged at the highest levels,” he said.
The United States is a significant contributor of both humanitarian and security assistance to Niger, and it has previously cautioned that the coup could result in the suspension of all collaborative efforts.
The British embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger, has also revealed its decision to decrease staff numbers due to the prevailing security circumstances.
France and the European Union have already suspended financial and developmental support.
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), a trade bloc encompassing 15 West African nations, has imposed sanctions that encompass a cessation of all commercial dealings with Niger and the freezing of the country’s assets within the regional central bank.
In addition, Niger’s power company has indicated that Nigeria, its neighboring country, has reduced electricity supplies, leading to extensive power outages. However, this claim has yet to be officially confirmed by Nigeria.
The coup has sparked significant demonstrations against France, a substantial partner, and has seen a surge in support for Russia, whose influence has grown in the west and central African regions in recent years.
On Sunday, a substantial gathering of protesters congregated outside the French embassy in Niamey. Among their chants were “Long live Russia,” “Long live Putin,” and “Down with France.” Additionally, there were instances of setting fire to parts of the embassy compound.
During evacuation efforts organized by the French government, a total of 262 individuals arrived in Paris on Wednesday. Italy also conducted an evacuation flight, landing in Rome with 87 individuals on board.
In his address, Gen Tchiani stated that French citizens in Niger had not encountered “the slightest threat.”
Niger, housing military bases for both France and the US, has played a pivotal role as a Western ally in the battle against jihadist extremism in the Sahel region.
After the military leadership in neighboring Mali chose to collaborate with the Russian Wagner mercenary group in 2021, France shifted the focal point of its regional counter-terrorism operations to Niger.