France: The French Foreign Ministry has announced that plans to evacuate the country’s citizens are underway in the West African state of Niger. The statement comes days after Niger’s President Mr. Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by members of his presidential guard.
“Considering the situation in Niamey, the violence against our embassy, and the fact that the air space is shut and our citizens cannot leave by their own means, France is preparing the evacuation of its citizens and other European citizens who want to leave the country. The evacuation will start today,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The ousting of Mr. Bazoum, marking the seventh military takeover in under three years in West and Central Africa, has caused concerns across the region.
Recently, supporters of the coup burned French flags and attacked the French embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey, prompting police to fire volleys of tear gas in response.
As a response, French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron announced that any attacks on French interests in Niger would be met with a “swift and uncompromising response”.
According to the foreign ministry website, there were less than 1,200 French nationals in Niger in 2022.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Mr. Antonio Tajani also said that the government would arrange a special flight to repatriate nationals from Niamey, the capital of Niger, after a military takeover took place in the African state.
“The Italian government has decided to offer our fellow citizens in Niamey the chance to leave the city on a special flight to Italy,” Mr. Tajani posted on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
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