US, UK join other countries evacuating citizens from Niger

The United Kingdom says it will temporarily reduce the number of staff at its embassy in Niamey, Niger’s capital, due to the current political situation in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, the British foreign ministry said it was necessary to protect its citizens from forthcoming protests that could be “violent”.

“There has been a military takeover in Niger, which has led to protests and unrest,” the foreign office said.

“The group who organised the demonstration on 30 July (M62) has called for another on Thursday, Aug 3, Niger Independence Day.

“Protests can be violent and the situation could change quickly without warning.”

Meanwhile, the United States has ordered the evacuation of some staff and families from its embassy in the country.

The US state department, however, said its mission will remain open while senior leadership will continue working from there.

“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,” Matthew Miller, state department spokesperson, said in a statement.

“The United States remains committed to our relationship with the people of Niger and to Nigerien democracy.

“We remain diplomatically engaged at the highest levels.”

France, Italy and Spain have also announced plans to evacuate their citizens from the troubled West African country.

The German foreign ministry had urged German citizens in Niger to board the evacuation planes offered by the French authorities.

Niger is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist insurgents.

Foreign powers have condemned the takeover, fearing it could allow the militants to gain ground.

Calls by countries and global organisations to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum have been ignored.