France and Italy to fly residents out of Niger – as two West African nations again the coup
France and Italy have introduced plans to fly their residents out of Niger following a army coup within the nation.
It comes after Niger’s presidential guard surrounded the palace in the capital Niamey, detained elected president Mohamed Bazoum, and introduced a brand new army authorities final week.
The French Foreign Ministry in Paris cited current violence outdoors its embassy as one of many principal causes for the evacuation of its residents, and European nationals.
Italy’s overseas minister additionally introduced on Tuesday its authorities would organize a particular flight to repatriate its residents from Niamey.
Niger’s neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, in the meantime, have warned different West African nations towards army intervention towards the brand new junta.
The West African regional physique – often called ECOWAS – has beforehand threatened using drive if coup leaders in Niger don’t reinstate the nation’s elected president.
Could Niger align itself with Russia?
But Mali and Burkina Faso, themselves each run by army governments, have mentioned they’ll think about any direct intervention in Niger as a “declaration of war” towards them.
The two nations – who’re each at the moment suspended from ECOWAS – have additionally denounced the regional physique’s financial sanctions towards Niger as “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane” and have refused to use them.
ECOWAS suspended all business and monetary transactions between its member states and Niger, in addition to freezing Nigerien property held in regional central banks, within the wake of the army coup.
Niger – already one of many poorest nations on the planet – has additionally confronted cuts to overseas support from Western nations following the army takeover.
Mali and Burkina Faso, which neighbour Niger on its western border, have every undergone two coups since 2020. Both are at the moment suspended from ECOWAS in consequence.
The regional physique has additionally imposed sanctions towards the 2 ruling juntas, however has by no means threatened to make use of drive towards them.
Guinea, one other nation below army rule since 2021, has additionally shared its help of Niger’s junta and urged ECOWAS to “come to its senses”.
“The sanctions measures advocated by ECOWAS, including military intervention, are an option that would not be a solution to the current problem, but would lead to a human disaster whose consequences could extend beyond Niger’s borders,” mentioned Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, normal of the brigade in an announcement from the ruling occasion.
He added that Guinea wouldn’t apply the sanctions.
Condemnation from the West
Mr Bazoum was elected two years in the past in Niger’s first peaceable, democratic switch of energy since independence from France – and was largely seen as a Western, and regional, ally in West Africa.
On Sunday, anti-government protesters marched through the streets of the capital waving Russian flags and denouncing France.
Demonstrators in Niamey converged on the French embassy and set hearth to its doorways, stoned the constructing and burned the nation’s flags.
Mohamed Bazoum (R) pictured with Chad chief Mahamat Idriss Deby (L). Pic: Mahamat Idriss Deby/Facebook
Russian mercenary group Wagner is already working in neighbouring Mali and its boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has hailed the coup nearly as good news and provided his fighters’ providers.
The Kremlin mentioned the state of affairs in Niger is “cause for serious concern”, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying that Russia known as for all sides within the coup to indicate restraint.
The coup in Niger has been extensively condemned by neighbours and worldwide companions together with the US, the United Nations, the European Union and France.
They have all refused to recognise the brand new leaders and have demanded the elected president’s return.
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Nigerien safety forces put together to disperse pro-junta demonstrators outdoors the French embassy, in Niamey
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recommended the resolve of the ECOWAS management to “defend constitutional order in Niger” after sanctions have been introduced.
He additionally joined the bloc in calling for the speedy launch of Mr Bazoum and his household.
On Sunday, one of many leaders of the army coup, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, claimed the ousted government authorised France to carry out strikes to free the president.
He alleged the Niger overseas minister, performing as prime minister, signed the order permitting France to take motion.
France – which dominated Niger as a colony till 1960 – has 1,500 troopers within the nation. They had been conducting joint operations with its authorities, with protesters showing to be towards having overseas army forces of their nation.
The now-ruling army has warned overseas governments towards making an attempt to free Mr Bazoum, saying it will end in chaos and bloodshed.
France’s overseas ministry refused to substantiate or deny that authorisation had been made, telling journalists the one authority it recognises is that of Mr Bazoum.
Head of coup turns into Niger’s chief
Development support suspended by France
Niger is likely one of the poorest nations on the planet, receiving near $2bn (£1.6bn) a yr in official growth help, in response to the World Bank.
It can be a safety accomplice of France and the US, which each use it as a base to struggle an Islamist insurgency in West and Central Africa’s wider Sahel area.
Conflict consultants say out of all of the nations within the area, Niger has probably the most at stake if it turns away from the West, given the tens of millions of {dollars} of army help the worldwide group has poured in.
Pro-junta demonstrators gathered outdoors the French embassy
France has suspended all growth support and different monetary support for Niger.
The Elysee Palace mentioned in an announcement: “Anyone who attacks French nationals, the military, diplomats, or French interests will spur an immediate and uncompromising response from France.”
In the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office mentioned in an announcement that Britain “condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to undermine democracy, peace and stability in Niger”.