Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has announced his opposition to any Western military intervention in the situation in Niger, asserting that such an intervention would be viewed as a form of new colonialism. Tajani, in an interview with the “Rainews24” news channel on Wednesday, emphasized the need to insist on the restoration of democracy in Niger, but it is crucial to rule out any Western military initiative as it would be considered a new form of colonization.
Tajani further suggested that Africa should be regarded as the main axis for Italy, Europe, and the West, rather than a colonial territory. He pointed out that this vision could be realized through joint projects for extracting raw materials, which would enable equal positions for the partner countries.
The military in Niger announced the overthrow of President Mohammed Bazoum, border closures, and the implementation of a curfew. Prior to this, members of the presidential guard had surrounded the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey. Bazoum’s office reported that the military had not supported the rebels, but the military leadership later announced its solidarity with them.
On the previous Monday morning, a private plane sent by the Italian Foreign Ministry landed at “Ciampino” airport in Rome to evacuate Italian citizens from Niger. The Italian Ministry of Defence reported that 99 passengers, including foreigners who wished to leave Niger, had arrived in Rome on a Boeing 767 belonging to the Italian Air Force.
