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France to evacuate its citizens from coup-hit Niger

At least four European countries announced that plans to evacuate their citizens are underway in Niger…reports Asian Lite News

French Foreign Ministry on Tuesday announced that it is preparing to evacuate its citizens and people of European nations who wish to leave Niger, days after President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by members of his presidential guard.

It further said that the evacuation will start today. In a statement released on its website, French Foreign Ministry said, “Given the situation in Niamey, the violence that took place against our embassy the day before yesterday and the closure of airspace which leaves our compatriots without the possibility of leaving the country by their own means, France is preparing the evacuation of its nationals and of European nationals wishing to leave the country.”

It further said, “This evacuation will begin today.”

French Foreign Ministry’s statement comes after the supporters of the coup in Niger on Sunday burned French flags and attacked the French embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey, Al Jazeera reported.

At least four European countries announced that plans to evacuate their citizens are underway in Niger.

Following the incident, French President Emmanuel Macron said any attacks on French interests in Niger will be met with a “swift and uncompromising response,” according to Al Jazeera report.

The pro-coup protesters were seen chanting the names of Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite requests from the Kremlin to release the nation’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, CNN reported.

A plaque designating the Embassy was destroyed by some protesters, who later replaced it with Russian and Nigerian flags. In the masses, there were slogans of “down with France,” “long live Putin,” and “long live Russia,” according to CNN.

Nigerien security forces were seen using tear gas to disperse the protesters. One photograph from the spot showed people attempting to start a fire outside the compound, CNN reported.

Meanwhile, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the government will arrange a special flight to repatriate nationals from Niger after the coup.

Taking to its official Twitter handle, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated, “The Italian government has decided to offer our fellow citizens in Niamey the chance to leave the city on a special flight to Italy.”

The international community has condemned the coup in Niger which saw members of the Niger presidential guard overthrow Niger President Mohamed Bazoum and install a military junta called the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, CNN reported.

On Thursday, the Nigerien army command said it was supporting the seizure in a bid to thwart bloodshed. The military’s statement also warned against foreign military intervention, which it said “risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences”.

In a statement released on Twitter, Niger’s army command said it had to “preserve the physical integrity of the president of the republic and his family,” and “avoid a deadly confrontation… that could create a bloodbath and affect the security of the population, according to CNN. It further said that any foreign military intervention “risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences.”

Following the military coup that sparked international condemnation, Abdourahamane Tiani, a Niger general, declared himself as the country’s new leader, by appearing on national television, CNN reported. Tiani appeared on Tele Sahel with a banner identifying him as “President of the national council for the Preservation of the Homeland.” (ANI)

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Russia distances itself from Niger coup

The Kremlin’s reaction comes as Russia wrapped up the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg last week which was attended by representatives of 49 countries, including 17 heads of state…reports Asian Lite News

A day after videos showing protesters in Niger chanting pro-Russia and anti-France slogans went viral on social media, Moscow on Monday reacted cautiously saying that it remains seriously concerned about the situation in the West African nation and hopes for prompt restoration of the rule of law in the country.

Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a military coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the commander of the country’s presidential guard, on July 26 in fresh trouble for the terror-infested Sahel region. The activities of state institutions have been suspended, borders have been closed, and a curfew has been introduced throughout the country.

“We are monitoring it the situation in Niger very closely, especially in the context of the fact that over the past week we have actually been very closely involved in African affairs together with the Africans. Of course, what is happening there is of serious concern,” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told local media on Monday.

The Kremlin’s reaction comes as Russia wrapped up the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg last week which was attended by representatives of 49 countries, including 17 heads of state.

“We are in favour of the prompt restoration of the rule of law in the country. We are in favour of restraint on all sides, which would help avoid casualties. Of course, we want Niger to restore constitutional order as soon as possible and to continue to work for coping with the enormous tasks that face that country on the way of its development,” added Peskov.

On Sunday, thousands of protestors gathered outside the French embassy in the country’s capital Niamey, waving Russian flags and chanting slogans against the French who ruled the landlocked country until 1960 and still retain a significant influence through numerous agreements.

Interestingly, the Yevgeny Prigozhin-led Wagner group, which continues to increase its influence in the region, including in the Central African Republic (CAR) and neighbouring Mali, has hailed Niger’s military coup.

Peskov, however, made it clear that the Kremlin’s assessment of the situation in Niger and Prigozhin’s words about what is happening in that country should not be put in the same semantic row.

Meanwhile, France has called for an end to the “unacceptable violence” observed on Sunday, stating that the security of its diplomatic premises in Niamey lies with the host State with the Nigerien forces having an obligation to ensure the security under the Vienna Conventions.

Paris said that democratically-elected by the people of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum is the only President of Niger and France does not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch led by General Tchiani.

With Niger holding large reserves of uranium, as many as 30 French companies are active in the country covering all economic sectors, particularly in services, distribution and in the mining sector.

Niger mainly imports from France electrical equipment, computers and equipment and pharmaceutical products. In return, the first three Nigerien products exported to France are: non-ferrous metals, metal ores and various chemical products.

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Niger coup: Gen Tchiani named new leader, suspends constitution

The international community has voiced concerns about the situation in Niger.

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, former leader of Niger’s presidential guard, has been named “president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland” (CNSP) following a military takeover in the West African country, state television reported.

The military took over control of Niger because it concerned itself with the continued deterioration of the security situation and poor economic and social governance, the CNSP said on Friday in a statement.

Later in the day, Tchiani signed an order to suspend the Constitution and dissolved the government, empowering the CNSP to exercise all legislative and executive authorities and the president of the council to represent the country in international relations.

Niger’s Defence and Security Forces said late Wednesday that soldiers in the country had overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, hours after the president was allegedly held hostage.

The international community has voiced concerns about the situation in Niger.

South Africa condemned the attempted coup in Niger and called on the military establishment to ensure Bazoum’s safety, return to the barracks and restore order in the country.

The South African government strongly rejects unlawful seizure of power by any group or individual as this reverses democratic gains and development and threatens the realisation of Africa’s aspiration for a better Africa, the government said in a statement.

Kenyan President William Ruto said on Friday that the unconstitutional change of power was subverting the democratic gains made by African nations over the years.

“Kenya joins the rest of the world to condemn, in the strongest terms, this unconstitutional act that subverts democracy through a coup-d’etat and calls for the immediate release of President Bazoum who is reportedly seized by members of the Presidential Guard,” he said in a statement.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Bazoum, as the world body is suspending humanitarian operations in Niger due to the situation in the country.

“The problem on the air right now is that our humanitarian flights cannot fly within the country which means that our humanitarian operations are suspended,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, told reporters later at a daily press briefing.

There are currently 4.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Niger, compared to 1.9 million in 2017, Dujarric said.

More than 370,000 people are displaced within Niger, which also hosts more than 250,000 refugees, mainly from Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso, according to the spokesman.

Namibia strongly condemned the attempted coup in Niger on Thursday.

In a statement, Penda Naanda, executive director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, said that Namibia stands firmly against any attempt to seize power through unconstitutional means.

“Namibia remains resolute in its stance on zero tolerance for acceding to power through unconstitutional means and supports the statement by the African Union on the attempted coup, in which it calls on the people of Niger, as well as all their brothers in Africa, particularly those in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and around the world, to unite in unanimous condemnation of the coup attempt and to demand the immediate and unconditional return of the soldiers to their barracks,” Naanda said.

The ECOWAS is a regional political and economic union of 15 countries located in West Africa.

West African leaders are closely monitoring the developments in Niger and would resist any attempted coup in that country, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said on Wednesday.

Tinubu, also chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS, said in a statement that he has been in close consultation with other leaders in the region.

“The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.” 

ALSO READ: Blinken: US ties with Niger conditioned on democratic rule

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Blinken: US ties with Niger conditioned on democratic rule

Blinken also conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for President Mohamed Bazoum and Niger’s democracy….reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday spoke to Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum and stressed that Washington’s further cooperation with Niamey will depend on further democratic governance, rule of law and human rights.

“Secretary Blinken underscored that the strong US economic and security partnership with Niger depends on the continuation of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law and human rights,” read the US State Department press release. Blinken conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for President Mohamed Bazoum and Niger’s democracy. He emphasized that the United States condemns the efforts to “seize power by force and overturn the constitutional order.”

“He emphasized that the United States stands with the Nigerien people and regional and international partners in condemning this effort to seize power by force and overturn the constitutional order,” the press release said.

Blinken also conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for President Mohamed Bazoum and Niger’s democracy.

Meanwhile, soldiers in Niger claimed to have removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power late on Wednesday, hours after members of the presidential guard detained the politician at his official residence, reported Al Jazeera.

Earlier, Matthew Miller, State Department Spokesperson said in a statement, “We call for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum and respect for the rule of law and public safety,” (local time).

“We are monitoring the situation closely and are in communication with the US Embassy in Niamey,” he added.

Security forces took the Niger President Mohamed Bazoum hostage in his presidential palace, the Niger’s presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

Some members of the presidential guard had started an “anti-republican” movement “in vain” and the army and national guard were ready to attack those involved in the “mood swing” if the movement did not end, reported Al Jazeera.

It also said that President Bazoum and his family were well after security sources said presidential guards were holding Bazoum inside the presidential palace in Niamey, the capital.

According to the presidency and security officials, ministries close to the palace have also been blocked off, making it impossible for palace employees to enter their workplaces. However, there was calm in other areas of Niamey.

The staff within the palace, according to a presidential official, did not have access to their offices.

Bazoum and his family were safe, the Niger presidency office said in a statement on Wednesday, though it was not immediately apparent if he was inside or what was going on.

Earlier, African Union Commission also “strongly” condemned what he called a coup attempt “by members of the military acting in total betrayal of their republican duty”.

West Africa’s 15-nation regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for Bazoum’s immediate and unconditional release and warned that all those involved would be held responsible for his safety.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted, “I condemn in the strongest terms any effort to seize power by force and to undermine democratic governance, peace & stability in Niger. The @UN stands by the Government and the people of Niger.”

The 2021 election that saw Bazoum elected president marked the first democratic transfer of power in a country that has experienced four military takeovers since gaining independence from France in 1960.

Since 2020, there have been four military coups in Burkina Faso and Mali, two nearby countries. (ANI)

ALSO READ: UAE condemns coup attempt in Niger

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UAE condemns coup attempt in Niger

Two killed in gunmen attack in south Nigeria

The UAE emphasised its support for the sovereignty and unity of the country within the framework of constitutional institutions…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has condemned the coup attempt in the Republic of Niger, and stressed the importance of maintaining stability and security in the country.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE is following with great concern the developments in Niger.

The UAE emphasised its support for the sovereignty and unity of the country within the framework of constitutional institutions and the rule of law, to achieve the aspirations of the people of Niger.

The Niger military has declared support for coup leaders who have reportedly seized the presidency of the West African nation, CNN reported. World leaders and humanitarian bodies have issued stark warnings against the people involved in the coup.

Niger’s army command on Thursday said it was supporting the takeover against Niger President Mohamed Bazoum to stop the bloodshed and maintain “the well-being of our populations,” according to CNN. In a statement released on Twitter, Niger’s army command said it had to “preserve the physical integrity of the president of the republic and his family,” and “avoid a deadly confrontation… that could create a bloodbath and affect the security of the population.” It further said that any foreign military intervention “risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences.”

The statement said, “Our country remains prey to insecurity imposed by the terrorist armed groups and other organized criminal groups.” On Wednesday, Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was apparently taken by members of the presidential guard and his precise whereabouts remain unknown.

On Thursday, Niger’s Presidential office said, “All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it.” The statement shared on Twitter did not give details of whether the Niger President is still being detained, according to CNN.

When Bazoum assumed office in 2021, it was the first time that there was a democratic transfer of power in Niger after years of military coups since the nation gained independence in 1960.

On Wednesday, visuals emerged that showed hundreds of pro-Bazoum protesters taking to the streets of Niamey as national institutions were shut down and land borders remained temporarily closed.

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Algeria, Niger, Nigeria ink deal on gas pipeline

The idea was first proposed more than 40 years ago and an agreement signed between the countries in 2009, but progress stalled…reports Asian Lite News

Algeria, Niger and Nigeria have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of a gas pipeline across the Sahara Desert that will supply Europe with additional gas, said the Algerian Energy Minister.

The signing ceremony was held in Algiers, capital of Algeria, in the presence of the Energy Ministers of the three African countries, and came in the wake of a trilateral meeting on the Trans-Saharan Gas-Pipeline (TSGP) on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Today’s meeting follows two previous meetings respectively in Niamey in February and in Abuja in June,” Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Mohamed Arkab told reporters.

“We have taken a number of decisions and we are making remarkable advance in the construction of this strategic project,” he said.

The TSGP, a mega gas pipeline project linking Algeria, Niger and Nigeria, is expected to span 4,000 km and could send up to 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year.

The idea was first proposed more than 40 years ago and an agreement signed between the countries in 2009, but progress stalled.

Two weeks, ago Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi arrived in Algeria for a one-day visit, and held talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune over several issues of common interest.

Reports said that Algeria would raise its gas shipments to Italy by 4 billion cubic metres per year, without providing a timeline for the increased delivery round, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Algerian energy giant Sonatrach will ensure the delivery of the additional natural gas shipment to its Italian partners, including Eni, APS news agency reported on Friday.

Algeria has already delivered 13.9 billion cubic metres of gas to Italy so far in 2022. In 2021, the North African country exported 21.2 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Italy.

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