New Delhi: India has issued an advisory for Indian citizens to leave Niger, which witnessed a military coup three weeks ago. There are indications that the regional bloc of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is gearing up for a military intervention in the west African nation.
“The Government of India is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger. In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible,” said the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday.
There are around 250 Indian citizens residing in Niger currently, as per the MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, who urged them all to remain in touch with the Indian embassy and find ways to leave the country.
“They may bear in mind that air space is currently closed. When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security,” said the advisory.
Additionally, the MEA is advising individuals who might have upcoming travel plans to Niger in the near future to reconsider their arrangements until the situation returns to normal.
It added that Indian nationals who have not registered with the Indian Embassy in Niamey are strongly advised to do so promptly. The emergency contact of the Indian mission at Niamey is +227-9975 9975.
Last month on July 26, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, which led to the regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposing sanctions and closing borders. It was the seventh coup in West and Central Africa in the last three years.
On Thursday, ECOWAS announced that it had ordered the activation of a ‘standby force’ to deploy in the west African country. The regional organisation had given a deadline till last Sunday for the reinstatement of President Bazoum, whose life has been threatened by the coup leaders. The African Union has supported ECOWAS’s decision and called for the immediate release of Bazoum.
However, it is still not clear when the military force will be sent to Niger. Ivory Coast president Alassane Ouattara announced that he will be sending soldiers for the military operation, along with Benin and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the military junta organised massive rallies in the capital Niamey in support of the coup, which was attended by a large number of citizens, fuelled by anti-French sentiment.
AP reported that hundreds of people marched toward the French military base in Niamey on Friday waving Russian flags and screaming “Down with France”.