U.S. President Joe Biden called for the immediate release of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum as well as his family in line with the country’s 63rd independence day anniversary.
“In this critical moment, the United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance,” Biden said.
“The Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders,” he added. “They have expressed their will through free and fair elections — and that must be respected.”
Biden’s remarks came after the US ordered the evacuation of some staff and families from its embassy in Niger following a military coup.
Meanwhile, the US State Department announced that the mission will remain open and senior leadership will continue working from there.
“Given ongoing developments in Niger and out of an abundance of caution, the Department of State is ordering the temporary departure of non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members from the US Embassy in Niamey,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted.
