France Foreign Ministry will have commenced evacuation of its nationals from Niger on Tuesday; following the coup that oozed Niger’s democratic leader, President Mohamed Bazoum last week. This was driven by attacks on the French embassy in Niamey, and the closure of Niger’s airspace which has grounded usual exit.
The ministry estimated about 600 French nationals in Niger, not including visiting tourists or French residents currently outside the country.
The statement added that, France was also offering to evacuate other European nationals.
The French government convened a ministerial meeting Tuesday to decide on the exact modalities of the evacuation using military personnel transport planes.
Earlier, France and the United States have between them deployed 2,600 soldiers in Niger to battle jihadists.
Niger’s junta on Monday accused France of seeking to “intervene militarily” to reinstate Bazoum, which French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna denied.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday vowed “immediate and uncompromising” action if French citizens or interests were attacked, after thousands rallied outside the French embassy in Niamey.
