France announced its preparation to evacuate its nationals from Niger starting Tuesday following the overthrowing of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The French embassy sent a message to the French nationals stating that with the deterioration of the security situation in Niamey, an air evacuation operation is being prepared from Niamey and will begin Tuesday. France is also offering to evacuate other European nationals wanting to leave.
In Paris, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuesday morning that preparatory work is underway. According to the Ministry's data, there are between 500 and 600 French citizens in Niger.
Last Sunday, the leaders of the ECOWAS group threatened to resort to force if the President of Niger, who is being held by the coup leaders, Mohamed Bazoum, was not released, and set a week to return to constitutional order in the country.
The group imposed immediate and strict restrictions and measures by closing the land and air borders with Niger and stopping all flights and commercial and financial dealings with it.
For its part, the African Peace and Security Council gave the coup leaders in Niger 15 days to relinquish power and return to the military barracks and allow elected President Mohamed Bazoum to carry out his duties.
Last week, the leader of the coup in Niger, General Abd al-Rahman Chiani, announced the dismissal of the country's president, Mohamed Bazoum, the closure of borders, the imposition of a curfew, and that he would head a transitional military council in the country. (QNA)
Source: Qatar News Agency