India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday urged Indian nationals to leave Niger, following a military coup that deposed the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
“The Government of India is closely monitoring the 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. They may bear in mind that airspace is currently closed. When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security,” said the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during a media briefing.
Those who may be planning to travel to Niger in the coming days have also been advised to reconsider their travel plans until the situation normalises, Bagchi said.
The MEA has asked Indian nationals to register with the Indian embassy in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
On 26 July, members of the presidential guard announced on national television that they had ousted President Bazoum. A few days later, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who served as head of the presidential guard, took over as leader of Niger’s new military junta.
The coup has drawn strong opposition from regional powers. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a coalition of West African nations, has called on the junta leaders to restore democratic governance, even threatening the use of force.
However, the deadline passed without action given that other military-led regimes in the region, like Mali and Burkina Faso, threatened to back Niger’s military junta in battle. The already complicated situation has been further exacerbated by domestic unrest, with various groups mobilising against the coup leaders in Niger.
ECOWAS nations have frozen Niger’s assets held in their commercial and central banks. They have also instituted a no-fly zone for commercial flights leaving Niger.
