London: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced on Tuesday that British nationals in Niger have been advised to stay inside due to unrest in the country and to register their location with the UK government.
After the country's democratically elected president and Western ally, Mohamed Bazoum, was taken into custody and detained by a military junta on Wednesday, violent protests erupted in the African nation.
While the foreign offices of France, Italy, and Spain have all confirmed rescue flights for their citizens in Niger, the UK government has not yet disclosed any evacuation plans for the estimated 100 or so British nationals who are still there.
The government agency stated that it was keeping an eye on the situation and would continue to review its plans, but has advised against any travel to Niger.
According to the FCDO website, "the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos provides consular assistance and support to British people in Niger in the first instance."
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According to a White House statement, the US confirmed on Tuesday that it was delaying the evacuation of its citizens from Niger due to the lack of immediate danger in the wake of the president's ouster.
In response to the coup, the UK government declared on Sunday that it would halt long-term development aid to Niger, but it reaffirmed that it would continue to provide humanitarian aid.
Minister for development and Africa Andrew Mitchell demanded that President Bazoum, who had been removed from office, be "immediately reinstated to restore constitutional order."
