France has initiated the process of evacuating its citizens from Niger following a recent coup that toppled the pro-Western leader of the country.
The decision to carry out the evacuation was prompted by attacks on the French embassy in Niamey, as well as the closure of Niger’s airspace, making regular departures impossible. The French foreign ministry released a statement announcing the evacuation plan.
Earlier on Tuesday, France had stated that it was preparing for the evacuation due to the deteriorating security situation in Niamey, but the exact timeframe was not disclosed. The evacuation primarily aims at the estimated 600 French nationals in Niger, not including visiting tourists or French residents outside the country.
In addition to evacuating its citizens, France has also offered to assist in evacuating other European nationals stranded in Niger. The French government convened a ministerial meeting to address the evacuation process’s logistics.
According to an AFP source familiar with the operation, France plans to utilize military personnel transport planes for the evacuation. This move comes after Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by his presidential guard in the country’s third coup in as many years in the Sahel region. Neighbouring former French colonies, Mali and Burkina Faso have also experienced coups.
In the fight against jihadists, both France and the United States have deployed a combined total of 2,600 soldiers in Niger. Despite accusations by Niger’s junta that France seeks to intervene militarily to reinstate Bazoum, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna denied these claims.
French President Emmanuel Macron has made an unwavering commitment to taking immediate and uncompromising action in the event of any attacks on French citizens or interests. This statement came after thousands of protestors rallied outside the French embassy in Niamey.
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