00:00 With the situation in Niger still volatile, India has issued an advisory for its nationals
00:05 in the African country.
00:07 It says the citizens are asked to leave the country as soon as possible.
00:12 Addressing the media, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said,
00:16 New Delhi is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger.
00:22 The government of India is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger.
00:27 In the light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential
00:33 are advised to leave the country as soon as possible.
00:38 They may bear in mind that airspace is currently closed.
00:43 When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety
00:49 and security.
00:51 Those who may be planning travel to Niger in the coming days are also similarly advised
00:58 to reconsider their travel plans until the situation normalizes.
01:03 All those Indian nationals who have not registered with the Indian Embassy in Niamey are strongly
01:09 advised to do so expeditiously.
01:12 Indian nationals can reach emergency contact in the Embassy of India, Niamey at the number
01:18 +227 9975 9975 for any assistance.
01:24 We will also be issuing this advisory on our social media platforms shortly.
01:33 Tensions are rapidly intensifying in Niger as its new military regime clashes with the
01:37 West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which had ordered the deployment of troops to restore
01:43 the country's faltering democracy.
01:45 The ECOWAS bloc announced its decision to deploy a standby force with the goal to reinstating
01:52 constitutional order in Niger following the expiration of its deadline for the reinstatement
01:57 of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
02:05 The specifics of ECOWAS' forces' deployment remain unclear, raising questions about its
02:10 timing and location.
02:12 India reports of threats against President Bazoum's life add complexity to the decision-making
02:17 process within the 15-member regional bloc.
02:20 Conflict experts suggest that the ECOWAS force may comprise approximately 5,000 troops possibly
02:26 led by Nigeria and could be ready for deployment in the coming weeks.
02:36 Neighboring country Ivory Coast has announced its participation in the military operation
02:40 alongside Nigeria and Benin.
02:42 There are some, though, who are expressing discontent with ECOWAS' potential intervention,
02:47 asserting that the regional bloc lacks an accurate understanding of the ground reality
02:52 and the underlying reasons for the coup.
02:56 Niger, home to around 25 million people, has been a vital partner for Western nations in
03:04 combating the jihadi insurgency linked to the al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group that
03:10 has afflicted the region.
03:12 Countries like France and United States have invested significantly with over 2,500 military
03:18 personnel in Niger, along with substantial financial contributions to support the nation's
03:23 military infrastructure.
03:28 The junta, led by General Abdur Rahmani Chiani, claims that it can provide better protection
03:34 against jihadi violence than President Basu's government.
03:38 The junta has capitalized on anti-French sentiments among the population to bolster its support.
03:44 Meanwhile, the African Union has expressed strong support for ECOWAS' decision and urged
03:49 the junta to de-escalate tensions.
03:55 As the region hangs between potential mediation and conflict, people in Niger face the consequences
04:01 of severe economic and travel sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.
04:06 The situation has further worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis, especially for more
04:11 than 4 million Nigerian citizens who relied on humanitarian assistance even before the
04:17 coup.
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