The first group of UK nationals have left Niger in the wake of a military coup in the African nation, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced.
The Britons boarded a French flight on Wednesday evening and were supported by a team in Paris upon landing, the Foreign Office said.
France, Italy and Spain are also proceeding to evacuate their citizens from the African nation, where soldiers seized power last week and detained President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected two years ago.
Taking to Twitter, Mr Cleverly, who is undertaking a four-day trip to Africa, wrote: “The first group of British nationals have now safely left Niger.
“To resolve the situation in Niger, the UK is clear in our support of an African and ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] led resolution.
“This week I’ve spoken with the Presidents of Ghana and Nigeria to support this.”
In a video shared alongside this message, Mr Cleverly said during his meetings with Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu he discussed the situation in Niger.
He added: “The UK Government’s priority remains the safety of British nationals and helping them get out of the country to safety.”
The UK’s Ambassador to Niger and a core team of the Foreign Office will remain in the country for the time being to support the Britons who are still there.
During his trip, Mr Cleverly has already visited Ghana and Nigeria and will visit Zambia on Thursday (August 3).
The military coup on July 26 may mark an abrupt end to Mr Bazoum’s vision for Niger’s future, which included girls’ education and the reduction of the country’s birthrate.
The stability of the region now hangs in balance as ECOWAS have issued an ultimatum to the new military junta, saying they can either restore the democratic leader of Niger by August 6 or face consequences, including a possible military action.
But this threat prompted Niger’s neighbouring countries of Mali and Burkina Faso to react with a joint statement.
The nations claimed any military action against the new leadership in Niger would be a “declaration of war” against them.
