France asked the “Nigerian security forces to take the necessary measures to fully guarantee the security of foreign diplomatic missions in Niamey, especially those affiliated with France” during the demonstrations scheduled for Thursday.
And the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that, “While several calls are issued for demonstrations on August 3, France reminds that the security of diplomatic headquarters and personnel are obligations under international law, especially the Vienna Convention,” according to Agence France-Presse.
Last Sunday, a violent demonstration took place against the French embassy in Niamey and prompted the French government, on Tuesday, to launch an evacuation of its nationals.
During that demonstration, which took place days after the military coup that overthrew the Nigerien President, Mohamed Bazoum, windows were smashed as protesters, shouting anti-Paris slogans, tried to storm the embassy.
The French Foreign Ministry also indicated that the airspace is closed in Niger, and therefore the French will not be able to leave on their own.
Five military aircraft have been allocated for evacuations, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet announced the full number of people who have been returned.
It stated, on Wednesday evening, that the fourth flight had brought the number of evacuees to 992, including 560 French nationals, “along with many foreign nationals.”
While the consular lists include the names of 1,200 Frenchmen, some of them are on vacation abroad.
In turn, the United States, on Wednesday, ordered the evacuation of its non-essential staff from its embassy in Niamey.
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2023-08-03 05:46:54
