2023-08-03 20:30:00
04 August 2023, 02:00 AM IST
France completes evacuation of citizens
Niamey: The U.S. and Britain begin diplomatic evacuations in politically uncertain Niger following a military coup.
The US calls for the immediate release of Niger’s President Mohamed Basoum and his family, who are being held in military custody, and for the protection of the democratic system they have achieved following long suffering. President Joe Biden asked Thursday. Thursday was Niger’s 63rd Independence Day. On August 3, 1960, Niger became independent from its former colonial power, France.
The US has said it is committed to restoring democracy in Niger. Foreign Secretary Anthony Blinken briefed President Basoom by phone on Wednesday. Niger is a key U.S. ally in eradicating Islamic terrorism from West African countries.
The U.S. is temporarily evacuating diplomatic staff and families in Niamey due to the deteriorating political and security situation in Niger. Foreign Ministry spokesman Matthew Miller said. US officials in Niger said senior diplomats would remain in Niamey. Miller also informed that the office will provide the emergency services needed by the citizens. Britain has also announced that it is temporarily reducing the number of its diplomatic staff in Niger due to the security situation.
France has completed the evacuation of citizens from Niger. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that 1,079 people, including Indians, have been safely evacuated in the last two days. 577 of them are French citizens. Italy and Spain announced rescue missions to bring back their citizens last month. An Italian military plane with 99 people on board arrived in Rome on Wednesday. 21 of them are Americans.
Don’t give in to pressure – Tiani
Tiani made it clear to Abdurahman, the self-proclaimed leader of Niger following the military coup, that he would not restore Basum’s government no matter how much pressure or sanctions from neighboring countries. Addressing the nation on national television on Wednesday night, Tiani called on the people of Niger to stand united once morest external forces trying to destabilize the country. He also promised to create a peaceful environment for the next general elections.
Economic Community of West African Nations (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Niger following the military coup. He also warned that if the Basoom government is not restored to power within a week, it will be implemented by force.
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