On Wednesday, several aircraft evacuated expatriates from the capital, Niamey, to Paris and Rome. Around ten Swiss nationals were able to leave Niger at their own request. They took advantage of an evacuation flight led by France, according to the foreign ministry.
Bern is continuing to monitor developments in Niger closely and remains in contact both with its partner states and with the 20 or so Swiss nationals still in the country, the ministry said.
A total of 992 people were evacuated on four flights out of the West African country, including 560 French nationals. A fifth French government plane landed at Niamey’s civilian airport on Wednesday evening to evacuate French and European nationals, the French armed forces told news agency AFP. This should be the very last flight to evacuate people wishing to leave the country, it added.
Italy announced “the return of 99 Italians and foreigners”, including 68 civilians.
France prime target
This is the first mass evacuation organised by France in the Sahel, where coups d’état have multiplied since 2020.
Paris justified the evacuation by the “violence that took place” against its embassy on Sunday during an anti-French demonstration, and by “the closure of airspace”.
France, a former colonial power in the region and a staunch supporter of President Bazoum, appears to be the prime target of the soldiers who overthrew him, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.
The evacuation of the 1,500 or so French troops stationed in Niger is “not on the agenda”, according to the French armed forces headquarters.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland demands release of captive Niger President
This content was published on
Switzerland has joined international condemnation of a military coup in Niger that holds the African state’s President captive.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.