The US government is committed to restoring the elected government of Niger, with President Joe Biden today calling for the "immediate release" of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

According to Biden, the release of Bazoum and his family will be a gesture to preserve democracy in Niger.

The statement follows an order to withdraw their compatriots from the US embassy in the country. After this measure, according to DW, the American mission in the country will continue to have senior embassy officials.

Biden said the US stands with the people of Niger to "honor the bonds of decades" fixed on democratic values in civilian-led governance.

In Biden's view, the Nigerien people must choose their leaders "through free and fair elections. This must be respected".

Bazoum's election in 2021 marked the country's first peaceful transition of power after four previous coups that shook the country since its independence in 1960 from French colonial power.