Belgium's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is counting the number of Belgians in Niger after the presidential coup d’état and ongoing political and security instability, with the total number so far located is 110.
"Their safety is our priority," the Foreign Affairs Department said, adding that the situation on the ground is currently relatively calm, but it is in contact with "actors involved to evaluate the situation." For Belgium, all non-essential travel to Niger has been advised against for security reasons.
The democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted from power, with General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaiming himself the new leader. General Tiani justified the putsch on the grounds of "the deteriorating security situation" in a country plagued by violence from jihadist groups.
Since then, there has been unrest in the West African nation, plunging it into a political crisis that has also polarised neighbouring countries in the region.
Around 110 Belgians are believed to be in the country at the moment, including 90 Belgians who have registered on Niger’s consular register and some 20 citizens who have signalled their presence in the country through the web application Travellers Online.
Evacuating citizens
Three parameters will be taken into account in case of evacuation of Belgian nationals, namely whether or not the citizens concerned want to leave Niger and the level of danger posed by the ongoing security situation. For those who want to leave, Belgians will be given the opportunity of joining the French evacuation operation under favourable conditions.
France, a former colonial power in the region and a staunch supporter of President Bazoum has already notified Belgium that it is prepared to repatriate other European nationals as part of the evacuation mission it is mounting for its own residents.
The first plane took off from France at midday on Tuesday to evacuate French nationals from Niger’s capital of Niamey.
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The German Foreign Ministry has also confirmed that France had offered to repatriate the Germans from Niger, of whom there are less than a hundred, adding that it "advises all its nationals in Niamey to accept the offer." Italy is also willing to bring back compatriots who want to leave Niger.
The Netherlands, in turn, announced it was putting the travel advisory for the West African country on red. It advises against travelling to Niger. Dutch national in Niger are being urged to stay inside.
