At least four European countries announced plans to evacuate their citizens from Niger following the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. The exact number of European nationals in Niger remains unclear. However, there are approximately 70 Spaniards and at least 600 French nationals reported to be in the country.
France stated that they are preparing the evacuation for their citizens and other Europeans who wish to leave the country. The German foreign ministry mentioned that France offered to take German nationals on their flights from Niger, and they urged German citizens to accept the offer.
Italy and Spain have also confirmed their intentions to evacuate their citizens from Niger. Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani stated that there would be a special flight to Italy. However, the Spanish foreign ministry did not provide specific details about their operation, citing security concerns.
Meanwhile, Germany’s foreign ministry estimated that there are fewer than 100 German citizens presently in Niger. It excludes those who are there as part of a Bundeswehr military mission.
A changing landscape
The removal of President Bazoum on July 26 marked the seventh military takeover in West and Central Africa in less than three years. It has caused shockwaves across the region.
ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger and threatened the potential use of force if Bazoum is not reinstated within a week. However, Burkina Faso and Mali’s military governments warned that any external military aggression in Niger would be seen as an act of war against them.
On Sunday, coup supporters attacked the French embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey, burning French flags. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that any attacks on French interests in Niger would be met with a swift and uncompromising response.
French nuclear fuels company Orano assured that its activities in Niger, where 99 percent of its staff are Nigerien nationals, would continue unaffected by the evacuations.
France has deployed troops in the region for ten years to help combat armed groups. However, some locals express a desire for the former colonial ruler to cease intervening in their affairs.
Landlocked Niger has a history of political turbulence since gaining independence in 1960. There have been four previous coups and numerous other attempts, including two against Bazoum before the recent events.
