India advises citizens to leave coup-hit Niger as soon as possible | India News


Niger has been reeling under crisis since July 26, when its military ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum, the seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years.

Niger coupMembers of a military council that staged a coup in Niger attend a rally at a stadium in Niamey, Niger, August 6, 2023. (Reuters)

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India on Friday advised its citizens residing in Niger to leave the coup-hit nation as soon as possible.

“In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible,” Ministry for External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Bagchi also stated that the government was closely monitoring the situation in Niger.

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Since the airspace has been closed down due to the ongoing situation in Niger, the MEA spokesperson advised people who intend to leave to take special precautions while travelling via land. Similarly, Bagchi also advised people planning travel to Niger to reconsider their plans.

He said, “When departing through land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security. Those who may be planning travel to Niger in the coming days are also similarly advised to reconsider their travel plans until the situation normalizes…”

Niger has been reeling under crisis since July 26, when its military ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum, the seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years. The coup in uranium-rich nation, which is also one of the world’s poorest countries but a key ally for the West in the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel region, was triggered by internal politics but has repercussions far beyond its borders.

US, French, German and Italian troops are deployed in Niger as part of the fight against the Islamist insurgency.

First published on: 11-08-2023 at 17:14 IST





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