STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The United States’ State Department is warning Americans to stay away from Niger.
The West African nation has been given the highest travel advisory issuable by the department: “Level 4 – Do Not Travel.”
On Jan. 30, the State Department “ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Niger due to safety risks,” the advisory detailed.
Those safety risks include terrorism, kidnapping, crime, unrest, and health concerns.
“Terrorists continue to plot attacks and use kidnapping for ransom as a business model. They target vulnerable groups and U.S. interests,” the advisory cautioned.
The latest kidnapping and terrorist attacks took place in the following areas of Niger, as listed in the advisory:
NiameyThe Malian border area (Tillabéri Region, Tri-Border Zone)The Diffa Region (Lake Chad Basin)Northern AgadezThe southern border corridor along the Niger-Benin oil pipeline
That is why any remaining U.S. government employees left in the nation must “travel in armored vehicles for all movements” in addition to abiding by “a mandatory curfew.” They cannot visit restaurants or any open-air markets.
Other criminal activities, like “armed robbery and residential break-ins” can occur “at any time.”
Unrest in the form of demonstrations “can be unpredictable,” the advisory stated. Unlike the United States, the government in Niger “limits or does not authorize large gatherings.
Furthermore, health care in Niger is limited. Ambulances, specific medicines, and trauma-related procedures are not broadly accessible.
“Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at your expense,” the advisory said.