Brits stuck in Niger told to hide ‘indoors’ – but UK yet to announce evacuations

Foreign nationals lined up outside an airport in Niger’s capital this morning, suitcases in hand, awaiting for a third evacuation flight.

A week after a military coup ousted and detained the first democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, the West African nation has been plunged into a political crisis.

France, Italy and Spain announced evacuations for their citizens after fears that they will become trapped.

Both the UK and the US are lagging behind, yet to announce such plans despite violent protests breaking out in the last 48 hours.

Niger’s borders were also closed, and there are no commercial flight options to leave.

The Foreign Office (FCDO) has advised against all travel to the country, including to its capital of Niamey as the situation remains ‘volatile’ and states of emergency are in place in several states.

‘We have been monitoring the situation in Niamey closely since July 26,’ the FCDO said.

‘Protests can be violent and the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning. We advise British nationals to remain indoors.’

Those wishing to leave are being advised to register their presence in the country with the FCDO as soon as possible, and to continue to follow travel advice.

French forces in Niamey evacuated hundreds of mostly French nationals to Paris on two flights on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, an Italian military aircraft landed in Rome in the early hours of today with 99 passengers, including 21 Americans and civilians from other countries, the Italian defence minister confirmed.

Before sunrise, hundreds of people lined up outside the terminal at the capital’s airport hoping to leave, after a third flight was canceled the night before.

Some slept on the floor, others watched video games or talked on the phone with family members eager to hear updates, while parents tried to shield their children from what was happening.

‘I have not told them very much, just that they’re going home,’ said a passenger who did not want to be named for security reasons.

The West African regional bloc (ECOWAS) brought travel and economic sanctions against Niger on Sunday and said it could result to force if the coup leaders do not reinstate Mr Bazoum within one week.

On Monday, Burkina Faso and Mali stressed that any military intervention against Niger would be considered war on them.

‘All military intervention against Niger will be considered a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,’ a joint statement read.

Before the dramatic coup, the country was seen as one of the region’s last democracies and a partner Western countries could work with to beat back the jihadi violence that’s wracked the region.

The US, France and other European countries have poured millions of dollars of military aid and assistance into the country.

At a virtual United Nations meeting on Tuesday night, the special envoy for West Africa and the Sahel said that efforts other than the threat of force are underway to restore democracy.

‘One week can be more than enough if everybody talks in good faith, if everybody wants to avoid bloodshed,’ said Leonardo Santos Simao.

But, he added, ‘different member states are preparing themselves to use force if necessary.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted the FCDO for a further comment.

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