Again Belgians evacuated from Niger, coup leader warns against foreign interference | Abroad

An A400M transport aircraft performed a number of return flights between Niamey, the capital of Niger, and Libreville, the capital of Gabon, before departing for Belgium. The A400M arrived at Melsbroek military airport on Saturday evening.

Since the coup in Niger, a total of about 240 Belgians, EU citizens and other beneficiaries have been returned. A hundred Belgians and entitled persons were able to leave Niger earlier this month, including French flights. In recent days, Defense was able to carry out a number of flights with a Belgian A400M.

“I am very pleased that Defense has once again been able to contribute to this successful return operation,” said Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder. “Defense has succeeded in obtaining permission to carry out a number of flights to bring people back and transport Belgian military equipment.” The minister thanks the military for their efforts. Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib also thanks everyone involved and adds that our country will continue to monitor the situation in Niger.

Niger’s new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani, said earlier that he wants to form a transitional government that will remain in power for “no longer than three years”. The aim is to hold a “comprehensive national dialogue” within 30 days and consult all Nigerians, he announced in a speech on state television on Saturday night.

“It is not our ambition to take power,” said Tiani, who came to power a few weeks ago after a coup d’état, adding that the transition period “should not exceed three years”.

At the same time, the leader of the coup warned other countries against military intervention in Niger. All decisions will be made “without outside interference,” it said. A day earlier, the economic community of countries of West Africa (Ecowas) had said it was ready for an armed intervention.