Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK nationals arrive in France following evacuation from Niger

Foreign Office officials remain in Niger to support Britons still in the country after a military coup.

Richard Wheeler
Thursday 03 August 2023 11:06 BST
People evacuated from Niger arrive at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport in France (Christophe Ena/AP)
People evacuated from Niger arrive at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport in France (Christophe Ena/AP) (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A group of British nationals have safely arrived in France after they were evacuated from Niger following a military coup in the West African country.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said 14 Britons were on the French flight on Wednesday.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Thursday confirmed their arrival in Paris.

FCDO officials remain in Niger to support the “very small number” of British nationals still there.

Security concerns have led to the British embassy in Niamey temporarily reducing the number of its staff, the FCDO added.

Violence has broken out in Niger after soldiers detained President Mohamed Bazoum and seized power last week.

Niger’s ruling junta and civil society groups have called on people to mobilise in the capital on Thursday to fight for the country’s freedom and reject foreign interference.

The march falls on the day the country marks its independence from its former colonial ruler, France, and the FCDO said protests “can be violent and the situation could change quickly without warning”.

The FCDO tweeted: “A group of British nationals left Niger on a French flight last night. They were met in Paris by British and French teams.

“We’ve worked closely with @francediplo (France Diplomatie) to support the evacuation, and are grateful for their help.

“UK Ambassador @CMInglehearn (Catherine Inglehearn) and a core team are on the ground in Niger to support the very small number of British nationals still there.”

Mr Dowden told LBC’s Nick Ferrari: “There was a successful evacuation undertaken by the French overnight.

“A limited number of British nationals – there’s not actually that many British nationals in Niger – but about 14 were evacuated last night.

“And our advice continues to be if you’re there and need assistance getting out, get in touch with the embassy, we still have staff on the ground and we will work to provide that assistance.”

Several European countries announced the evacuation of their citizens as tension increased in the capital and elsewhere.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in