350 French nationals evacuated from Niger

Paris (Best Hindu News): France has so far evacuated more than 350 French nationals in Niger due to a military coup. This information was given by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. The ministry said that two flights have already departed from Niamey in Niger, carrying French citizens as well as citizens of other EU countries. The ministry said that more than 510 people are on board the evacuation flights. A third flight is also scheduled as part of the evacuation operation. About 1,200 registered citizens of France live in Niger, according to the ministry. Of these, about 600 citizens have expressed their desire to be evacuated.

Speaking to France’s BFMTV, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna confirmed on Tuesday that France would not intervene militarily in Niger. Last Wednesday, Niger’s defense and security forces said that soldiers in the country ousted President Mohamed Bazoum from power just hours after he was allegedly taken hostage. Two days later General Abdourahmane Tchiyani, former leader of Niger’s Presidential Guard, was named ‘President of the National Council for the Security of the Homeland’.

He subsequently signed an order suspending the constitution and dissolving the government, allowing the council to exercise all legislative and executive authority. Bazoum takes office after winning the election in 2021. There have been four coups in Niger since gaining independence from France in 1960.