Several European countries are evacuating their citizens from Niger. The first evacuation flight has now taken off from the country, according to French authorities. At the same time, the coup plotters receive support from military juntas in neighboring countries.
The first evacuation plane has left Niger, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told AFP on Tuesday evening.
According to the foreign minister, 262 people were on board, including a dozen infants. The plane is expected to arrive in Paris during the night.
France – which has sent three planes – is offering to also evacuate other European citizens who want to travel from the West African country.
Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs writes in an email to TT that they have information that a few Swedes are in Niger.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with these and is investigating their need for consular support. It is still unclear if they want and have the opportunity to leave the country,” it writes and urges travelers to stay updated on the development of events and observe the utmost vigilance.
Photo: Reuters
Photo: Reuters
Protest against France
Last week, the elected president Mohamed Bazoum was deposed by soldiers from his own presidential guard. Over the weekend, thousands marched through Niamey in a protest organized by the new military leadership. Windows were smashed and a door was set on fire at the French embassy.
The military leadership had then spread information that France plans to intervene militarily in Niger, something that Paris denies. Around 1,500 French soldiers are on the ground in Niger. These are not to be evacuated, Paris said on Tuesday.
The Economic Community of West Africa, Ecowas, announced on Sunday that it was severing relations with Niger and imposing economic sanctions on the country.