UK Reduces The Number Of Diplomatic Staff In Niger

UNSPLASH/Jack ILLUSTRATION Lucas Smith

LONDON - UK said it was reducing the number of staff at its embassy in Niger, which was hit by a coup.

"There has been a takeover of power by the military in Niger, which has led to protests and riots," the British Foreign Ministry said in a statement reported by ANTARA, Thursday, August 3.

"Protes can become violent and the situation can change quickly without warning," the ministry said.

The repatriation of a number of British diplomats was decided following a similar move by the US, which has started the evacuation of some staff at its embassy in the capital Niamey.

Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by members of the presidential guard on July 26, 2023. Since then, the military announced that they had seized power.

General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the rebel army, took over the leadership of a group called the National Council for National Protection on July 28, 2023.

In a televised address on Wednesday night (2/8), Tchiani said she would not bow to pressure to restore Bazoum's power.

He also criticized the sanctions imposed by West African leaders.