According to three sources familiar with internal deliberations, the U.S. government is making preparations to evacuate the majority of its U.S. Embassy personnel from Niger. Although a final decision has not yet been reached, a U.S. diplomat, a U.S. official, and a former U.S. official, all speaking on the condition of anonymity, have indicated that the decision is imminent.
Niger, a West African country that recently transitioned to democracy and is a significant recipient of U.S. security aid, is currently experiencing a military coup. The Biden administration is grappling with how to respond to the situation, including the dilemma of whether to formally designate the events as a coup, as such a declaration could impact anti-terrorism efforts and potentially create an opportunity for Russia to expand its influence in Africa.
European nations, including the French armed forces, have already begun evacuating their citizens from Niger. Intelligence reports indicating that the ruling junta might take foreigners hostage and use them as human shields in the event of a military intervention have prompted these extractions, according to the former U.S. official.
If the evacuation order is given, it would involve the withdrawal of most embassy personnel, excluding only those considered vital to critical embassy functions. This would include spouses, children, and many U.S. diplomats not directly involved in key operations, as stated by the U.S. diplomat.
The State Department's spokespersons have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. However, this week has already seen the evacuation of 20 staff members from the U.S. Agency for International Development, as confirmed by the U.S. diplomat. The U.S. Embassy has also provided a contact form for private American citizens who may require assistance leaving Niger.
Robert Stryk, who operates a firm specializing in extracting Americans from danger overseas, revealed that senior members of the U.S. government reached out to inquire about moving U.S. citizens out of Niger due to escalating concerns of violence. He mentioned liaising with governments of France, Britain, and Italy to make arrangements for the safe relocation of U.S. officials to a nearby secure location. However, it remains uncertain whether American diplomats and staff can leave Niger using private means without the government's permission.
For now, the situation in Niger's capital, Niamey, remains relatively stable, according to the diplomat. However, there are expectations of protests on Thursday, following an earlier demonstration that resulted in an attack on the French Embassy. Additionally, there are reports that Gen. Salifou Mody, the deputy head of the current military junta in power, is traveling to Mali to seek support from the Russian-backed mercenary Wagner Group.
The potential involvement of Wagner forces in Niger poses challenges for the U.S. military, as Pentagon officials have expressed concerns about the mercenary group's activities in other West African nations like Mali. The U.S. military has a presence of 1,100 troops in Niger, primarily stationed at Air Base 101 in Niamey and Air Base 201 at Agadez, a $100 million U.S.-funded facility used for American drones to combat terrorists. However, the Pentagon largely suspended its training and advising mission to the Nigerien armed forces after the coup attempt.
As of Tuesday, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder stated that he was not aware of U.S. forces participating in an evacuation operation, and he emphasized that there was no "imminent threat" to U.S. personnel or American citizens in the country. Ryder underscored that the Pentagon was continuously monitoring the situation and encouraged American citizens in Niger to stay in close contact with the U.S. Embassy.
Similarly, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller declared that they are continuously reevaluating their posture to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in Niger. The evolving situation remains closely monitored by U.S. authorities as they navigate the complexities of responding to the unfolding military coup in the West African nation.