Putsch in Niger: are French nationals at risk of being targeted?

Guillaume Dominguez / Photo credit: AFP 18:40 p.m., July 31, 2023

Should we be worried about French nationals in Niger? Five days after the coup d'état that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, the torchon burns between Niamey and Paris. This Sunday, several rallies in support of the coup are taking place in the Nigerien capital and the embassy of France was targeted. The demonstrators demand the departure of the French military and do not hide their hostility towards France. On Monday, the putschists accused the France of wanting to "intervene militarily" to restore order in Niger. But despite this highly flammable climate, French nationals do not seem to be in danger.

However, according to information from Europe 1, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to evacuate the French present in Niger at any time. The latter are invited not to leave their homes and almost permanent contact has been maintained with them since the putsch that occurred last Wednesday.

About 600 French people living in Niger

This Monday morning, a message was sent to them to count the number in Niger. According to a latest count, there are about 600 living in this Sahel country but many of them are not present in the country at the moment because of school holidays.

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But as things stand, they are not a target for the putschists, according to General Christophe Gomart, former director of French military intelligence. "At the moment, I think they are attacking the institutional aspect more. The demonstrators attacked the France embassy and will probably attack French companies based in Niger. But I don't think nationals are directly threatened," he said.

Precise safety rules in case of danger

And to list the precise instructions received by French expatriates in case of risk to their safety. "There are people in charge of islands, there are regroupment points in which nationals meet. So there is this direct possibility of being in a protected military compound with people who can defend them when needed."

According to information from Europe 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to give a chance to the ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) before deciding on a possible evacuation. The ultimatum gives the putschists one week to restore constitutional order, saying it does not rule out a "use of force".