US Embassy in Niger Partially Evacuated Following Coup
The United States has ordered the partial evacuation of its embassy in Niger in response to last week’s coup, which has sparked unrest and protests in the country. French and British embassies have also reduced their staff numbers due to the security situation.
Following the military coup led by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, hundreds of foreign nationals have already been evacuated from Niger, and on Sunday, the French embassy was attacked by protesters. Tchiani has warned against any interference in the internal affairs of the country.
Protests in support of the coup are expected to take place on Thursday to mark Niger’s independence day, despite an official ban on demonstrations. France, the former colonial power in Niger, has asked the military junta to guarantee the security of their embassy, as crowds attacked the French diplomatic mission on Sunday, leading to the organization of evacuation flights.
Despite the tense situation, some residents in the capital, Niamey, have reported that everything has been quiet so far, with people proceeding with their daily duties. However, anxiety is growing among the population as they anticipate what the future holds.
Niger is a significant uranium producer and lies on a key migration route to North Africa and the Mediterranean. The US, a major donor of humanitarian and security aid to Niger, has emphasized its commitment to the restoration of Niger’s democratically elected government. Even with the partial evacuation of the embassy, the US has stated that it remains diplomatically engaged with the people of Niger.
The British embassy in Niamey has also announced a reduction in staff numbers due to the security situation. France and the European Union have already suspended financial and development aid, while the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has imposed sanctions, including a halt on all commercial transactions with Niger.
Furthermore, Niger’s electricity company reports that neighboring Nigeria has cut electricity supplies, resulting in widespread power cuts. Gen Tchiani, addressing the nation, rejected the imposed sanctions, characterizing them as cynical and intended to humiliate Niger’s security forces. Military chiefs from Ecowas met on Wednesday to discuss a potential military intervention, though they consider it a last resort.
The coup has also led to major demonstrations against France and in favor of Russia, whose influence in West and Central Africa has grown in recent years. Protesters gathered outside the French embassy in Niamey chanting slogans in support of Russia and expressing their discontent with France. On Wednesday, evacuation flights organized by the French government brought 262 people to Paris, while Italy received 87 evacuees.
Niger, where both France and the US maintain military bases, has been a key Western ally in the fight against jihadist extremism in the Sahel region. France had previously relocated the center of its regional counter-terror operations to Niger after military leaders in neighboring Mali partnered with the Russian Wagner mercenary group in 2021.
As the situation in Niger remains tense, the international community closely monitors developments and considers further actions to restore stability and democracy to the country.