U.S. evacuates embassy staff in Niger amid military coup

The U.S. Department on Wednesday announced that it had ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel from the U.S. embassy in Niger following a military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

"[T]he Department ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members from Embassy Niamey," reads a press release from the Department. "The U.S. Embassy in Niamey has temporarily reduced its personnel, suspended routine services, and is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Niger."

The agency further raised its travel advisory to level 4, warning Americans not to travel to the country.

"With the ongoing efforts to overturn constitutional order, there may be increased demonstrations that can lead to civil unrest and government instability.  Violent crime, such as armed robbery, is common," the warning reads. 

The U.S. military maintains a presence in the country for counter-terrorist operations and the Biden administration has struggled to respond to the developments due to concerns that a harsh approach to the regime change could alienate a military partner and drive it closer to U.S. adversaries such as Russia, Politico reported.

Russian mercenary group Wagner maintains a presence in neighboring Mali and Gen. Salifou Mody, a key leader in the coup, is reportedly seeking the support of organization to bolster the new regime in Niamey.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.