Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Antonio Tajani, announced on Tuesday the provision of special flights to evacuate Italian nationals from Niger.
In a tweet, Tajani stated, “The Italian government has decided to offer its citizens in Niamey the possibility to leave the city on special flights to Italy.” He added, “The embassy in Niamey will remain open and operational to contribute to mediation efforts.”
Earlier in the day, France initiated an evacuation operation for its citizens and European nationals willing to leave Niger following a military takeover in the West African nation, and an attack on the French Embassy in Niamey.
On Monday, the French Foreign Ministry confirmed a deliberate attack on the French embassy in Niamey, Niger’s capital. Security forces were unable to control the situation. France condemned all acts of violence against its diplomatic mission in Niger, calling on the authorities to ensure security, against the backdrop of demonstrations in front of the French embassy in the capital, Niamey.
The protestors expressed their support for the military council that overthrew the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, in Niger.
On the early morning of July 27, soldiers in the Niger army announced via state television the removal of the country’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, his confinement at his residence, the closure of the borders, and the imposition of a curfew. They confirmed their decision to end the current regime due to the deteriorating security situation and poor economic management in the country.
