Aug 03

US prepares to evacuate some embassy staff, families from Niger.

The United States is set to evacuate some staff and families from its embassy in Niger. This after military officers seized power there, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, even as the mission will remain open and senior leadership will continue working from there. Reuters reports that Niger is a key Western ally in a fight against Islamist insurgents. Foreign powers have condemned the takeover, fearing it could allow the militants to gain ground.