WASHINGTON, D.C., January 17, 2011 – Peace Corps has suspended its program in Niger due to ongoing concerns about volunteer security. All 98 volunteers are safe and accounted for and have been safely evacuated to another country. Volunteers will take part in a transition conference and if possible will be offered the option to complete their service in another Peace Corps country.
Peace Corps will continue to assess the safety and security climate in Niger. The safety and security of volunteers is the Peace Corps' highest priority.
"The Peace Corps has been committed to development in Niger for nearly five decades," said Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams. "We have excellent relationships with Nigerien people and communities and we are grateful for the strong partnership we have had with counterpart organizations and the Government of Niger."
Prior to the suspension, Peace Corps had operated in Niger without interruption since 1962. Over 3,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Niger since the program was established, working in the areas of Agriculture/Natural Resource Management, Health, Education and Municipal Community Development.
I am the proud mother of one of your PC friends who interned at NIH and is an EMT. I'm sure you know who that is. Both my husband and I have been following your blog and want you to know how touched we were (are) by what you had written and your experiences of the past few days. It brought tears to both our eyes. You are all constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that the good Lord will guide you in the decisions you will have to make in the next few days. Stay healthy and positive and may God bless you all. Mrs. S
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