Italy’s foreign minister announced on Tuesday that the government would organize a dedicated flight to repatriate its nationals from Niamey, the capital of Niger, following the military takeover in the African state.
“The Italian government has decided to offer our fellow citizens in Niamey the chance to leave the city on a special flight to Italy,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani posted on X.
In statements sent to the media through his office, Tajani confirmed that the Italian embassy in Niger is operational, and the ambassador is returning to the country from Rome, where she attended the UN Food Systems summit last week.
“Italy wants to pursue political and diplomatic mediation efforts,” Tajani said.
Italy clarified that its offer of a flight did not constitute a formal evacuation, whereas France, the former colonial power in Niger, announced that it would begin repatriating its nationals and other European citizens who wish to leave the country.
As of now, there has been no announcement of the evacuation of troops from France, Italy, the United States, and Germany, who are currently stationed in Niger for counter-insurgency and military training missions.