The first evacuation flights for European nationals have departed from Niger amidst political unrest, landing in Paris and Rome. The evacuations come in response to the military coup last week, which saw President Mohamed Bazoum and his government overthrown.
Key Points:
- The political turmoil in Niger, with the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum and his government, prompted France, Italy, and Spain to commence evacuations for their citizens due to the escalating risk of conflict.
- The first evacuation flight from Niger, organized by France, arrived in Paris early on Wednesday carrying 262 evacuees.
- An Italian military plane carrying 87 evacuees, including 36 Italians, a mix of other European nationals, and 21 United States citizens, also arrived in Rome on Wednesday.
- The evacuations follow a wave of rising anti-French sentiment in the region, resulting in the withdrawal of French troops from Mali and Burkina Faso within the last year.
- Despite the current evacuations, there has been no announcement of troops from the United States, Germany, and Italy, who are stationed in Niger on counterinsurgency and training missions, being evacuated.
