Unrest in Niger: US Partially Evacuates Embassy in Response to Coup
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Salma Hossein
- . August 3, 2023
- . Update: August 3, 2023 6:59 pm
In response to the recent coup in Niger, the US has ordered a partial evacuation of its embassy in the nation’s capital, Niamey. This choice was made amid rising unrest that saw protestors storm the French embassy after hundreds of foreign nationals had already been evacuated from the nation. International organisations, including the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and France, have implemented sanctions as the situation develops, and the US has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Niger’s democratically elected government.
On July 26, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani conducted a coup to stop what was thought to be Niger’s downfall. Major protests against France, the former colonial power in Niger, have been sparked by this political unrest, and appeals for Russian intervention in the area have also been heard. International partners have prioritised Niger’s security and governance as a critical ally in the fight against Islamic extremism in the Sahel.
France and the EU have already cut off their financial and development assistance to Niger, and Ecowas has issued penalties that include suspending all business dealings with it and freezing its assets at the national bank of the region. Since the country’s electrical company has reported power outages from Nigeria’s neighbouring country, the issue has sparked worries about future disruptions to Niger’s electricity supply.
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The US is still actively involved diplomatically with Niger despite the partial evacuation of its embassy. In a conversation with expelled President Mohamed Bazoum, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to helping Niger’s democratically elected government retake power. The US, a significant provider of security and humanitarian help to Niger has issued a warning that the coup could result in the suspension of all cooperation.
The Niger coup has wider regional repercussions, with significant protests voicing support for Russia and criticism of France. The situation is complicated further by Niger’s importance as a producer of uranium and its location along a major migration route to North Africa and the Mediterranean. The area’s stability continues to be essential for combating Islamic extremism in the Sahel, as both France and the US maintain military bases there.
The international community is keenly following developments and taking action through diplomatic measures and sanctions as the situation in Niger continues to change. The US’s decision to partially evacuate its embassy in the country demonstrates both its worry over the political unrest there and its dedication to assisting in the restoration of democratically elected rule. Finding a peaceful settlement and sustaining stability in Niger and the Sahel will require efforts from both local and international actors as the region navigates through this trying time.
