- Airspace Closed, India Asks Citizens to Leave Violence-Hit Niger by Road
- About 250 Indians are living in Niger where a military coup last month has led to widespread protests and violence.
- Several European countries have evacuated their citizens from the unstable nation now ruled by a military junta.
- Embassy in Niger’s capital is in touch with the Indians living there and helping them leave the country.
- Backed by powerful army generals, the head of the Presidential Guard declared himself the “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland” on television.
- Niger is the fifth African country to witness a couple in less than three years.
- Niger saw its first peaceful transition of power when Bazoum won the 2021 election, after four coup attempts since independence from France in 1960.
India advised its nationals in Niger to leave the West African country as soon as possible in view of escalating tensions following the overthrow of the democratically elected president by a military junta.
An estimated 250 Indian nationals are in Niger, most of them based in the capital Niamey. Tensions have mounted after the self-proclaimed new head of state, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, dismissed pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West to free deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
Most Indian nationals living in Niamey are engaged in the trading, hospitality, and services sectors. Among the Indian firms with investments in Niger are Airtel Cellular Services. Bagchi said the Indian embassy in Niamey is in close contact with members of the Indian community, who are safe. The Indian government is closely monitoring developments in Niger, and Indians should keep in mind that the airspace is currently closed, the advisory said. “When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security,” it added.
The advisory further said Indian nationals who had not yet registered with the Indian embassy should “do so expeditiously”. Bagchi said the embassy is providing all possible assistance to facilitate the departure and exit of Indian nationals. Indian nationals can contact the embassy in Niamey at the phone number + 227 9975 9975 for assistance.
Niger has witnessed widespread protests and unrest following the July 26 coup and Bazoum remains under house arrest in difficult conditions. The military junta declared a new government on August 10. Several European countries have evacuated their citizens from Niger.
Backed by powerful army generals, the head of the Presidential Guard declared himself the “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland” on television. The United Nations, European Union, and the African Union have all condemned the military takeover.
Niger is the fifth African country to witness a couple in less than three years, following neighbours Mali, Guinea, Chad, and Burkina Faso. Niger saw its first peaceful transition of power when Bazoum won the 2021 election, after four coup attempts since independence from France in 1960.
(With inputs from agencies)
