The first French evacuation flight out of Niger arrived in Paris this morning, after France sent three planes to Niamey to evacuate French and European citizens in the wake of a coup last week that toppled pro-Western leader Mohamed Bazoum.
According to French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, Considering the ongoing coup in Niger and the fact that the situation continues to be worrying, France decided to make sure that citizens who want to leave Niger can do so.
Meanwhile, European union spokesperson, Nabila Massarli says the union has not issued a formal evacuation order but it will provide aid to citizens who wish to leave the country.
on his part, united nations representative to west Africa and sahel, Leonardo santos simao stated that the situation remains volatile with all stakeholder working out a peace deal.
French foreign ministry said hundreds of people were gathered at Niamey airport this morning hoping to catch an evacuation flight, with most of the passengers from France, Niger, Portugal, Belgium, Ethiopia and Lebanon.
