Tensions between the west African country and 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. France's decision to swiftly evacuate its citizens goes further than its reaction to putsches in recent years in the other former French colonies of Mali and Burkina Faso, where French citizens were not evacuated after military coups.
The evacuations were announced the day after Mali and Burkina Faso - Niger's neighbours - said any outside intervention to restore the ousted government would be seen as a declaration of war. Analysts were sceptical of the statement, as both countries are struggling to contain jihadist insurgencies.
The White House said it had yet to make a decision whether to send US troops to support international evacuations. It said it had seen no evidence that Russia or Wagner mercenaries, who operate in the Sahel and central Africa, had been involved in the coup or were actively supporting it.
Supporters of the junta on Sunday burned French flags and attacked the French embassy in Niger's capital, Niamey.
The French foreign office said: "Given the situation in Niamey, and the violence that took place against our embassy [on Sunday] and the closing of airspace that leaves our citizens without any possibility of leaving the country by their own means, France is preparing to evacuate those of its citizens and European citizens who want to leave the country. The evacuation will begin today." It added the evacuations would take place within "a limited time span".
Denne historien er fra August 02, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra August 02, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
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