Title: U.S. Partially Pulls Out Embassy Personnel from Niger as Hopes Dwindle for Ousted President’s Return
Subtitle: International pressure wanes as the U.S. takes precautionary measures amid the political turmoil
Date: [insert date]
Author: [insert author name]
The U.S. State Department has announced a partial pullout of embassy personnel from Niger, signaling a growing belief that international pressure will be insufficient to reverse the ousting of the country’s elected president. The decision comes after the Pentagon suspended security cooperation with military forces in Niger, a crucial U.S. partner in Africa.
Non-emergency U.S. personnel and their families have been ordered to depart from Niger, although the State Department has not called for a broader evacuation. This move is aimed at ensuring a more orderly exit from the country, learning from past instances in Sudan and Kabul where chaotic evacuations occurred.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of the safety of U.S. citizens overseas, stating that the decision to order the departure was made due to ongoing developments in Niger and out of an abundance of caution. Miller reaffirmed the U.S.’ rejection of any efforts to overturn Niger’s constitutional order.
While key embassy leadership will remain in Niger, routine services have been suspended, and only emergency assistance will be provided to U.S. citizens in the country. The State Department has also provided a form for U.S. citizens in Niger to fill out if they require help leaving the country.
Despite the partial withdrawal of embassy personnel, there has been no decision to pull out American military personnel. The U.S. currently has two military bases and approximately 1,000 troops in Niger, primarily engaged in counterterrorism activities.
The situation in Niger’s capital, Niamey, remains relatively calm. However, concerns are growing that the tense situation could escalate rapidly. President Mohamed Bazoum, who came to power earlier this year, remains surrounded by gunmen in the presidential residence, following an attempt by the leader of the presidential guard to depose him last week.
French and Italian military aircraft have already evacuated European citizens from Niger. The French embassy was attacked by demonstrators on Sunday, prompting the evacuation. At this stage, U.S. citizens in Niger have not been evacuated, but they have been advised to stay in place and avoid unnecessary movements.
The Biden administration has been cautious about taking any steps that could further entrench the presidential guard and hinder Bazoum’s return to power. Efforts are ongoing to encourage Nigerien military leaders to pressure the gunmen to reverse their actions. The Economic Community of West African States has warned that it may militarily intervene if Bazoum is not restored to power by Sunday, while Mali and Burkina Faso, led by military juntas, have backed the forces that deposed the president.
Although hopes for a reversal remain, they are starting to fade as the days pass with Bazoum still in detention. The situation in Niger is being closely monitored as diplomatic efforts continue to find a resolution to the political crisis.
[Insert contributing reporters’ names] contributed to this report.
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