The military coup in Nige

Damage to the French Embassy. Sam Mednick / AP  

 

France rapidly evacuates citizens from Niger  

 

France plans to evacuate its citizens from Niger, according to AFP.  

 

The decision comes after the military coup, where the elected president Mohamed Bazoum was abruptly deposed. In recent days, insurgents have attacked France after the country withdrew its aid to Niger, as a result of the coup. Among other things, aggressive protests have been held outside the French embassy in the capital Niamey.  

 

President Emmanuel Macron has warned that France will fight back if its interests are threatened. But now the country is taking its citizens home. 

 

"[The evacuation] will take place very soon, within a limited period of time," reads a message sent out to those concerned.  

 

Burkina Faso coup leader Ibrahim Traore in October 2022. Kilaye Bationo / AP  

 

Junts of neighboring countries support the coup - warn the outside world  

 

Neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali side with the coup plotters in Niger. In a statement, the two countries say that any military intervention against Niger will be considered a declaration of war against them as well.  

 

The countries' positioning raises the stakes further and risks creating a wider conflict in the region, notes the New York Times. Both Burkina Faso and Mali are ruled by military juntas that seized power in coups.  

 

This weekend, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) gave the coup plotters a week to relinquish power. If that does not happen, Ecowas does not rule out using violence to restore order.