Prathamesh Basagare, Pune
In light of the rising violence in Niger, India on Friday encouraged its citizens there to evacuate the country as soon as feasible. According to officials, there are already 250 Indians living in Niger, a country that has experienced intense protests and bloodshed since the coup last month. In light of the rising violence in Niger, India on Friday encouraged its citizens there to evacuate the country as soon as feasible. According to officials, there are already 250 Indians living in Niger, a country that has experienced intense protests and bloodshed since the coup last month.
“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 added that the Niger issue was being constantly watched by the authorities.
Because of the ongoing crisis in Niger, the airspace has been shut down, so the MEA spokesperson recommended anybody planning to depart go by land with extra caution. In a similar vein, Bagchi suggested travellers rethink their itinerary, if they were planning to visit Niger.
He stated, “When departing through a border, the 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.”
Since July 26, when the military removed former President Mohamed Bazoum—the seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years—the country has been in a state of instability. The coup in the uranium-rich nation, one of the poorest in the world and a crucial partner of the West in the war against Islamist extremists in the Sahel region, was started by domestic politics but has effects that extend far beyond its boundaries.