Niger Coup: France begins evacuation of its citizens, others

The French government has commenced evacuation of its nationals and other European nationals from Niger Republic, following the violence that took place at its embassy and closure of airspace which leaves the citizens without possibility of leaving the troubled country on their own.

Penpushing reports that a statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said the evacuation started on Tuesday, just as the France government also suspended, with immediate effect, all its development aid and budget support to Niger while calling for an immediate return to constitutional order under President Bazoum, elected by the people of Niger.

The coup apologists and protesters it is recalled on Sunday attacked the French embassy while denouncing France and waving Russia’s flag, and equally set a door at the embassy ablaze before they were dispersed by the army.

“Given the situation in Niamey, the violence that took place against our embassy the day before yesterday and the closure of airspace which leaves our compatriots without the possibility of leaving the country by their own means, France is preparing the evacuation of its nationals and European nationals wishing to leave the country’, the Ministry said.

Penpushing further reports that some citizens who support the coup stormed the streets chanting “Down with France” as they waved Russia’s flag, but it remains unclear if Russia is involved in Niger as the waving of the former Soviet Union’s flag at the dawn of coups, which are now increasing in West Africa especially, has become a pattern.

Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, the statement did not, however, clearly state if the 1,500 French soldiers stationed in Niger will also leave, while it is on record that some citizens of Francophone Africa have in recent years expressed resentment for the former colonial power (France) with some of the countries cutting ties with France and expelling French diplomats from their soil.

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