Niger crisis deepens as France plans evacuations for expats

Supporters of the coup gather during a demonstration. Pic/AP

France prepared to evacuate French and European nationals from Niger on Tuesday, telling them to carry no more than a small bag, after a military coup there won backing from three other West African nations ruled by mutinous soldiers.

The French Foreign Ministry in Paris cited recent violence that targeted the French Embassy in Niamey, the capital, as a reason for the decision. The closure of Niger's airspace also "leaves our compatriots unable to leave the country," the ministry said.

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