Mi, Aug 2nd 2023
France and Italy, among others, had previously carried out flights to bring their compatriots to safety.
“The FDFA would like to thank France for its support for Swiss nationals,” writes the department. It continues to follow the development of the situation in Niger closely and remains in contact both with its partner countries and with the remaining around two dozen Swiss nationals on the ground. According to the FDFA, Switzerland has been advising against traveling to Niger and staying in the country of any kind since 2009.
To France and Italy
First, France brought 513 people to safety with the first two evacuation flights. This was announced by the French Foreign Ministry. Among them were over 350 French. In total, Paris has scheduled four flights. According to the information, around 500 to 600 French people are in Niger.
According to the Ansa news agency, there were 87 people on board an Italian plane, including 36 Italians, 21 Americans, four Bulgarians and two Austrians. According to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, there are almost 100 Italians in Niger.
Coup by the Presidential Guard
In Niger, officers of the Presidential Guard arrested the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday last week and declared him ousted. The commander of the Presidential Guard, General Abdourahamane Tiani, subsequently proclaimed himself the new ruler. Shortly after Tiani came to power, the putschists suspended the constitution and dissolved all constitutional institutions.
After military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso since 2020, Niger was the last of the three neighboring countries in the Sahel to be led by a democratically elected government. Niger was also an important partner for the West on migration issues.
The military rulers of Niger opened the land and air borders with the five neighboring countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya and Chad on Wednesday.
Ultimatum from West African states
The conflict in Niger could escalate further. Because the West African community of states Ecowas had given the putschists an ultimatum on Sunday. If President Bazoum is not reinstated within a week, Ecowas will take action, which could include violence, it said.
Keystone/SDA©
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