The US Embassy in Niger is being partially evacuated following a military coup in late July, prompting the Biden administration, which has been providing military aid, to face significant challenges. Despite the circumstances, the embassy will remain operational to assist American citizens who are currently stranded in the country.
Ever since Niger’s military leader introduced a new constitution and conducted democratic elections in 2011, the nation in West Africa has emerged as a crucial ally for the United States in countering Islamist terrorism. With approximately 1,100 US military personnel present in Niger, they have been actively involved in training Nigerian forces and operating drones to combat the threat. However, the situation took a dramatic turn on July 26 when the Nigerian military staged a coup, overthrowing the elected government with which the US had been collaborating. General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former commander of the Presidential Guard, proclaimed himself as the country’s new leader during this upheaval.
The Biden administration finds itself in a difficult position. It is reluctant to jeopardize its collaboration with the Nigerian military or the significant investment of a $100 million airbase constructed in the country. Yet, acknowledging the arrest of Nigeria’s president and the takeover by a military junta as a coup would compel the US to halt military assistance. Presently, the State Department characterizes the situation as an “attempt” to remove the president, who is presently in the custody of his former bodyguards.
Meanwhile, one of the coup leaders, General Salifou Modi, has visited neighboring Mali. This is concerning since the Russian Wagner Group has approximately 1,500 men in Mali, and its head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has already volunteered to send his infamous mercenaries to Niger to back the junta.
Meanwhile, the State Department has directed that all “non-emergency” embassy staff and their families leave the country. For the time being, the embassy will remain open to assist US individuals in Niger.
