France has responded to the attack on its embassy in Niger by announcing the commencement of an evacuation process for its citizens and other European nationals from Niamey.
The violence against the French embassy and the closure of airspace left French citizens with no viable means to leave the country independently. The evacuation operation is set to begin on the same day.
To address the situation, France has taken additional measures, suspending all development aid and budget support to Niger immediately. They also called for a swift return to constitutional order under President Bazoum, who was elected by the people of Niger.
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While the statement from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs did not explicitly mention the fate of the 1,500 French soldiers stationed in Niger, their actions signify their stance on the unfolding events.
The unrest in Niger saw dozens of coup apologists and protesters attacking the French embassy, expressing their discontent with France and waving Russia’s flag. The army had to intervene to disperse the protesters after they set a door at the embassy on fire.
It’s important to note that in recent years, some Francophone African countries have exhibited resentment towards France, their former colonial power. Some of these nations have even severed ties with France and expelled French diplomats from their territories.
In Niger, certain citizens supporting the coup demonstrated on the streets, denouncing France while waving Russia’s flag. Although the extent of Russia’s involvement in Niger remains uncertain, it has become a recurring pattern in West Africa, particularly during coup situations, to witness the waving of the former Soviet Union’s flag.