 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. Italian nationals and other European and American citizens, who have been evacuated from Niger (Picture: Reuters) With the headquarters of the ruling party burning in the back, supporters of mutinous soldiers take to the streets in Niamey (Picture: AP) 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.' One of the evacuation flights landing near Rome (Picture: Reuters) American citizens board a bus after they arrive at Ciampino Airport, near Rome (Picture: Reuters) 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 Ame){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
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.