On Tuesday, the French government announced the initiation of the evacuation process for its citizens and other European nationals from Niger.

The decision was prompted by the situation in Niamey, where violence occurred against the French embassy, and the closure of airspace, leaving French citizens with no means to leave the country on their own. The evacuation operation is scheduled to begin on the same day.

In response to the events, France took further measures, suspending all development aid and budget support to Niger immediately. They also called for a prompt return to constitutional order under President Bazoum, who was elected by the people of Niger.

The statement from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs did not explicitly mention whether the 1,500 French soldiers stationed in Niger will also be leaving.

During the unrest in Niger, dozens of coup apologists and protesters attacked the French embassy, expressing their discontent with France and waving Russia’s flag. The army intervened to disperse the protesters after they set a door at the embassy on fire.

It’s worth noting that in recent years, some Francophone African countries have shown resentment towards France, their former colonial power. Some of these countries have even severed ties with France and expelled French diplomats from their territories.

In Niger, some citizens supporting the coup took to the streets, denouncing France while waving Russia’s flag. The involvement of Russia in Niger remains unclear, but it has become a recurring pattern in West Africa, especially during coup situations, to witness the waving of the former Soviet Union’s flag