France to evacuate European citizens from Niger after coup

Decision comes after junta accused France of plotting to reinstate Mohamed Bazoum

Angelique Chrisafis in Paris, Lisa O’Carroll Brussels and Peter Beaumont

France has said it will immediately begin evacuating its citizens and other Europeans from Niger, days after a junta toppled the president, Mohamed Bazoum, and seized power in the west African country.

Niger coup supporters attack French embassy – video


Tensions between Niger and the former colonial power, France, have escalated after the coup on 26 July overthrew one of the last pro-western leaders in Africa’s Sahel region, which has faced jihadist insurgencies.

France’s decision to swiftly evacuate its citizens from Niger goes further than its reaction to putsches in recent years in neighbouring former French colonies Mali and Burkina Faso, where French people were not evacuated after military coups.

The Italian government also said it would arrange a special flight to repatriate its nationals from Niger.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content