Planes Return Niger Evacuees to Europe

Summary:

• European nations have started evacuating citizens from Niger, with France and Italy conducting evacuations.
• West Africa's regional bloc, Echoas, is convening to address the military coup in Niger.
• Analysts doubt the likelihood of Echoas resorting to military action against the coup leaders.
• The situation in Niger raises concerns about potential involvement of foreign actors and the threat from jihadist groups.

European nations have begun evacuating hundreds of citizens from Niger, with the first of three French planes arriving back in Paris carrying more than 250 people. Italy has also flown out dozens of its own nationals, as well as other European and American citizens. Meanwhile, West Africa's regional bloc, Echoas, will hold a meeting to discuss the military coup that took place in Niger last week. Some countries in the region, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Gidi, have declared that any military intervention in Niger would be considered a declaration of war.

The situation in Niger is being closely watched by its neighbors and international allies, given its strategic importance in counterterrorism operations against Islamist groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda. Echoas had issued a deadline of one week for the co-leaders to restore democratic rule, threatening force against the country if they fail to comply. However, analysts and experts doubt that Echoas will resort to military action to remove the military government. This leaves few viable options on the table, with some Western governments considering cutting off aid and military assistance to Niger. Similar military juntas in neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Mali have managed to hold onto power despite facing threats and sanctions.

The threat posed by jihadists adds to the complexity of the situation, with some neighboring countries supporting the coup leaders due to shared concerns about the fight against Islamist groups. The fear of potential involvement of foreign actors, such as the Wagner paramilitary group in Mali, raises concerns for international allies about further instability in the region. The coup in Niger has created a delicate situation with limited clear solutions.