UK (Parliament Politic Magazine) – The first group of British nationals has safely arrived in Paris after being evacuated from Niger. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden confirmed that 14 Britons were on board the French flight on Wednesday. The evacuated citizens have arrived safely in France according to reports.
According to the Foreign Office, only a small number of British nationals are still in the country. Following last week’s military coup, violence has erupted in Niger, prompting several nations, including France and Italy, to organize flights for their citizens. These flights have also accommodated individuals from other countries.
UK Governement Advice British Nationals To Register Their Whereabouts
However, the UK has not yet made arrangements for its own flights. Previously, the UK government had advised British nationals to register their whereabouts and remain indoors.
It is estimated that there were fewer than 100 British nationals in Niger. The first group to be evacuated consisted of individuals who had requested to leave Niger and managed to reach the airport in time for this flight.
A statement from the Foreign Office stated that the UK’s ambassador and a core team are currently stationed in Niger to provide support to the limited number of British nationals who are still present. The assistance provided by the French during this evacuation is greatly appreciated.
Mr. Dowden emphasized that if individuals find themselves in Niger and require assistance in leaving, they should contact the embassy. The embassy still has personnel on the ground and is committed to offering the necessary aid. British Nationals who have been under risk will be provided with the required aid they need by the Niger governement.
Governement Announced A Reduction In Staff At UK Embassy
The government has recently announced a temporary reduction in staff at the UK embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger. Similarly, the United States has instructed all non-emergency personnel at its embassy to depart.
German citizens in Niger, estimated to be fewer than 100, have been strongly advised to leave the country using flights arranged by France. Additionally, the Spanish government has initiated the evacuation of approximately 70 of its citizens.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who was on a three-country tour of Africa, including Nigeria, emphasized on Wednesday that the safety of British nationals is the top priority for the UK government. Efforts are being made to assist them in leaving the country and ensuring their well-being. The recent coup in Niger has sparked protests against France, the former colonial power in the country, resulting in an attack on the French embassy.
British Nationals Arrive In Paris From Niger
On Wednesday, a total of 262 individuals arrived in Paris from Niger, while Italy organized a flight that brought 87 evacuees to Rome. Among the passengers, there were 36 Italians, 21 Americans, and one Briton, as reported by Reuters news agency.
Niger, known for its uranium reserves, has been a crucial ally for Western nations in combating jihadist extremism in the Sahel region. Both France and the US maintain military bases in the country.
President Mohamed Bazoum, the first democratically elected leader of Niger since its independence in 1960, was detained by his presidential guards last week.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc, has stated that it will resort to the use of force if the president is not released and reinstated within a week.
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Niger Governement To Distance Itself From Western Allies
However, military groups in neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, which are also former French colonies, have issued a warning that any forcible intervention would be considered a declaration of war.
There are concerns that Niger’s new leadership may now distance itself from its Western allies and align more closely with Russia, following the footsteps of Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which have shifted their alliances towards Moscow after their own military coups.
The recent evacuation flight took place three months after similar airlifts were organized in Sudan due to conflicts between rival factions.
Thanks to a negotiated, short-term ceasefire, UK evacuation flights were able to depart from an airstrip near Khartoum. The fragile ceasefire held, allowing for the safe evacuation of approximately 2,341 individuals on 28 UK flights.