The US has ordered the evacuation of some US embassy staff and eligible family members from Niger, citing the increased risk of instability following last week’s military coup.
According to a statement by the US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the measure was taken “out of an abundance of caution” and that the embassy itself would remain open, although only for “limited, emergency services”.
The Department noted that it has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas, including US government personnel serving abroad.
He added that the US remains committed to its relationship with the people of Niger and to Nigerien democracy. “We remain diplomatically engaged at the highest levels.”
The announcement follows similar moves from European countries to remove non-essential personnel from Niger.
Earlier in the day, the first of several planned military flights departed from Niger and landed in Paris, carrying 262 people on board, mostly from France and Italy.
As with those countries, the US has discouraged its citizens from making “unnecessary” travel to Niger, particularly in the capital of Niamey.