France is making preparations to evacuate French and European nationals from Niger in response to a military coup that has gained backing from three other West African countries. The French Foreign Ministry has cited recent violence targeting the French Embassy in Niamey as one of the reasons for the decision. Niger’s airspace closure has also made it impossible for citizens to leave the country by their own means. The evacuation comes amidst a deepening crisis sparked by the coup against Niger’s democratically elected president. The West African regional body, ECOWAS, has announced travel and economic sanctions against Niger and has threatened to use force if the coup leaders do not reinstate the president. Mali and Burkina Faso have expressed their support for Niger’s junta and have condemned the ECOWAS sanctions. The situation in Niger is reminiscent of previous coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, which saw protesters waving Russian flags. The use of force by ECOWAS could potentially lead to violence between coup supporters and opponents, with catastrophic consequences for civilians. The United States and France have both provided military and humanitarian aid to Niger and have warned that assistance could be cut if the coup is successful. Niger is heavily reliant on international aid, making the sanctions potentially disastrous for the country. ECOWAS has attempted to protect democracies in West and Central Africa from coups, but there have been mixed results in the past.
National authorities in France to carry out evacuation of its citizens and other Europeans from Niger amid escalating crisis following coup
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