State Department orders non-emergency personnel to evacuate U.S. Embassy in Niger

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The United States has ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Niger following a military coup that unseated democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement the order was made "out of an abundance of caution" and because "commercial flight options are limited," which could hinder evacuations if conditions in the country become more dire.

"We updated our travel advisory to reflect this and informed U.S. citizens that we are only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Niger given our reduced personnel," Miller said.

"The U.S. Embassy remains open for limited, emergency services to U.S. citizens. The State Department continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation."

Miller added that the U.S. "remains committed" to Niger and democracy in the country and clarified that the countries remain "diplomatically engaged at the highest levels."

"The U.S. Senate recently confirmed a new ambassador, Kathleen FitzGibbon, a career diplomat with extensive experience in West Africa," Miller said. "Ambassador FitzGibbon is well-positioned to manage our bilateral relationship through this difficult period and we look forward to her swift arrival in Niamey."

During a press conference prior to the announcement, and amid speculation that such an order would given, Miller told reporters that while they intend for the embassy to remain open "the safety and security of our personnel and of U.S. citizens overseas is our highest priority."

"We constantly monitor events on the ground and make decisions based on what's appropriate to safeguard our personnel," he said, before adding that the situation on the ground in Niamey is "fluid" but "remains clam."

U.S. citizens had previously been advised to reconsider travel to Niger due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping, but the State Department's travel advisory was raised to Level 4 -- Do Not Travel -- on Wednesday.

The news came as France, the former colonial ruler of Niger, evacuated citizens from the West African nation. Though France no longer rules Niger, the countries maintain close ties.

On Wednesday, France foreign ministry said in a statement that two flights from Niger with more than 350 French citizens and those of another 10 countries have already arrived in France with evacuation operations continuing for a third flight.

The military burned French flags and launched an assault on the French Embassy on Sunday claiming the European nation was meddling in the Nigerien power structure.

"Given the situation in Niamey, and the violence that took place against our embassy and the closing of airspace that leaves our citizens without any possibility of leaving the country by their own means, France is preparing to evacuate those of its citizens and European citizens who want to leave the country," a message from French officials had said. "The evacuation will begin today."

Italy was also in the midst of evacuating citizens, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani publishing photos online as he met 36 citizens and more than 30 others from foreign countries on the tarmac after their plane touched down.

South Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement three of its citizens had arrived in Paris on a French flight. Eleven other South Koreans living in the country are confirmed safe, it said.

The government of Spain said it was working to evacuate more than 70 of its citizens in the country.

Meanwhile, the German foreign ministry said it has suspended development cooperation with Niger as punishment over the coup and was "ready to take further measures in coordination with our partners."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Bazoum on Wednesday and reiterated the United States' commitment to the restoration of his democratically elected government, a readout of the conversation said.

It added that the Biden administration is "dedicated to finding a peaceful solution" to the crisis.