Western countries concerned their citizens may become trapped after soldiers detained country’s president and seized power
French nationals gather as they wait to be airlifted back to France. Photograph: Sam Mednick/AP/PA
An Italian military aircraft landed in Rome on Wednesday with 99 passengers, including 21 Americans and civilians from other countries, said the Italian defence ministry. Before sunrise on Wednesday, hundreds of people were lined up outside the terminal at Niamey’s airport hoping to leave, after a third flight was cancelled the night before.Some parents tried to shield their children from what was happening.“If ECOWAS intervenes, populations can attack ECOWAS nationals here. They’ve already made threats.”
Mali and Burkina Faso’s leaders said a military intervention in Niger “would be tantamount to a declaration of war” against them. The defence chiefs of ECOWAS’ 15 members will meet in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, to discuss next steps in resolving the crisis, the bloc said in a statement.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Niger junta accuses ousted government of authorising French military attackParis expected to ‘tread very carefully’ given level of anti-French and anti-western sentiment in Sahel region
Read more »
DFA 'carefully monitoring' situation in Niger as European partners launch rescue missionIrish officials have said they are continuing to monitor the worsening situation in the African country of Niger after a coup there and have advised Irish nationals in the country to register with the embassy in Nigeria.
Read more »
Irish citizens warned not to travel to Niger following coupThe Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued new advice
Read more »
First planes carrying French and other Europeans evacuated from Niger lands in ParisThe Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday said they were engaging with European countries and other States to determine if an evacuation was required.
Read more »
Here's What Happened Today: TuesdayMonaghan crash victims named, Accenture job losses and situation worsens in Niger Photo: naoiseculhane
Read more »