Evacuation of French nationals to Niger: Safe return after the coup d’état
On the night of August 1, a first plane landed in Paris, marking the start of the operation to evacuate French nationals present in Niger. This operation follows the coup which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum and the violent demonstrations which took place in front of the French embassy.
On this first flight, 262 people returned to France, mainly French, but also Lebanese, Belgians and Portuguese. These nationals, limited to one backpack, had to leave the country quickly, leaving their personal belongings behind. Despite fatigue and uncertainty about the situation in Niger, they express a feeling of relief at having returned safely.
For some, like Charles, this evacuation is tinged with sadness, because it means abandoning Niger in a period of crisis. They will closely monitor developments in the coming days and weeks. Others, like Bernard, were on a professional mission and had to leave all their belongings behind.
The evacuation was organized in collaboration with the Red Cross and the France Horizon organization, which provided support to French nationals upon their arrival at Charles-de-Gaulle airport. Some, like Louise, can count on the support of their family in France, but remain concerned about the fate of their Nigerien colleagues who remain behind.
The pace of evacuations is expected to accelerate in the coming days, with the aim of repatriating 400 other French people by midday on Wednesday. In total, around 1,200 French people live in Niger, 600 of whom have asked to leave the country. It is important to note that only civilians are affected by this evacuation, the French soldiers remaining on site.
This evacuation operation was put in place in response to the violence that occurred in front of the French embassy in Niamey, as well as in anticipation of possible excesses during Niger’s independence day on August 3. Other Western countries, such as Italy, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom, have also taken measures to ensure the safety of their nationals in Niger.
The evacuation of French nationals underlines the importance of the security of citizens abroad and the need for international cooperation to ensure their protection. The events in Niger are yet another reminder of the instability in many countries around the world and the need for governments to take steps to ensure the safety of their citizens abroad.