August 3, 2023
2 mins read

Indians among people evacuated by France from Niger

At least four European countries announced that plans to evacuate their citizens are underway in Niger….reports Asian Lite News

Following the military coup in Niger, the French Government evacuated over 990 of its citizens including Indian nationals over the past two days.

Taking to Twitter, the French ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain said that the French government had around 992 people, out of which 560 are its citizens while the rest of them includes nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens.

“Following the military coup in #Niger, France has evacuated 992 people from the country through several rotation flights over the past two days. In addition to 560 French citizens, the flights evacuated nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens,” Lenain said in a tweet.

Till now 4 flights carrying French and other national citizens have departed from Niger.

“4 flights have departed, 992 people wishing to leave the country have been transported. A 5th and final flight is scheduled for the end of the day,” French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a tweet.

Earlier, in a statement released on its website, French Foreign Ministry said, “Given the situation in Niamey, the violence that took place against our embassy the day before yesterday and the closure of airspace which leaves our compatriots without the possibility of leaving the country by their own means, France is preparing the evacuation of its nationals and of European nationals wishing to leave the country.”

It further said, “This evacuation will begin today.”French Foreign Ministry’s statement comes after the supporters of the coup in Niger on Sunday burned French flags and attacked the French embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey, Al Jazeera reported.

At least four European countries announced that plans to evacuate their citizens are underway in Niger.

Following the incident, French President Emmanuel Macron said any attacks on French interests in Niger will be met with a “swift and uncompromising response,” according to Al Jazeera report.

The pro-coup protesters were seen chanting the names of Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite requests from the Kremlin to release the nation’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, CNN reported.

A plaque designating the Embassy was destroyed by some protesters, who later replaced it with Russian and Nigerian flags. In the masses, there were slogans of “down with France,” “long live Putin,” and “long live Russia,” according to CNN.

Nigerien security forces were seen using tear gas to disperse the protesters. One photograph from the spot showed people attempting to start a fire outside the compound, CNN reported.

Last Thursday, the Nigerien army command said it was supporting the seizure in a bid to thwart bloodshed. The military’s statement also warned against foreign military intervention, which it said “risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences”. (ANI)

ALSO READ: France to evacuate its citizens from coup-hit Niger

Previous Story

21st Asian Achievers Awards shortlist unveiled

Next Story

British Labour Party MP Dhesi Faces Questioning at Amritsar Airport

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan’s Drug Crisis Deepens

Described as a “hidden epidemic,” the crisis highlights deep-rooted social, economic, and cultural challenges….reports Asian Lite News According to a recent report, Pakistan is in the grip of a growing drug addiction

Yunus denies revoking Bangabandhu’s honour

Bangladesh interim government rejects claims it revoked freedom fighter status of Bangabandhu and Mujibnagar leaders, affirming their honour and recognising all contributions to the Liberation War. The interim government of Bangladesh, led

India rallies the ‘stans

As New Delhi hosts the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, growing ties in trade, defence, and diplomacy reaffirm India’s long-standing linkages with the region. India is set to host the fourth meeting of

Capitol Hill calls out Pak terror

Bipartisan support in Washington for India’s right to act, as cross-party Indian delegation highlights Pakistan’s terror links in global outreach In a significant show of solidarity, several US Congressmen have condemned the

Joy turns to tragedy

Eleven fans died and dozens were injured during RCB’s IPL victory parade in Bengaluru, after mismanagement, confusion and a sudden downpour triggered a deadly stampede. What should have been a day of
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Modi lauds maturity of Indian voters  

Both Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal received admiration from Pakistani

G20 meet set to herald all-round development in J&K

The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir are upbeat and are