Title: “The successful evacuation of Niger nationals: a return to security”
Introduction :
The evacuation of French and foreign nationals from Niger following the coup d’état on July 26 was successfully carried out. The French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, announced on social networks that the voluntary evacuation operation, which lasted almost 48 hours, was successfully completed. In total, 1,079 people, including 577 French nationals and many other nationalities, were safely repatriated. This event marks a turning point in the security situation in Niger and demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to protecting their citizens.
A united and multinational evacuation:
The evacuation was carried out on a voluntary basis, with nearly 600 French citizens expressing their wish to leave Niger. Five planes chartered by the French army were used to transport the evacuees to safety. It is also important to note that the evacuation was open to other nationalities, with the presence of nationals from Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia, among others. This international cooperation demonstrates the solidarity between nations to ensure the security of their citizens.
Decision-making and security concerns:
The evacuation was decided following violence during a demonstration in front of the Niger embassy in Niamey on July 30. The French authorities took this decision to guarantee the safety of their nationals, who were potentially exposed to risks. Despite assurances from General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), that foreign nationals present in Niger had never been threatened, France erred on the side of caution and acted to ensure security. of its citizens.
Conclusion :
The successful evacuation of French and foreign nationals from Niger marks an important step in resolving the political and security crisis in the country. The international cooperation and commitment of the French authorities to ensuring the security of their citizens was evident throughout this operation. However, it is important to emphasize that events in Niger are a reminder of the continued need to strengthen stability and security in the region. The complex situation that led to this evacuation must be addressed to ensure a secure future for nationals and foreign nationals in the country.