Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Ensures 3 Indonesian Citizens In Niger Are Safe Amid The Coup

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ensured that the condition of three Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Niger is safe, in the midst of a military coup against the country's elected government.

Although they do not have representatives in Niger, the Indonesian government through the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja in Nigeria whose accreditation area includes Niger, has contacted Indonesian citizens working in the West African country.

"There are three Indonesian citizens who work in the Taaoua area, they have been contacted by the Indonesian Embassy and it is confirmed that their condition is safe," said Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and BHI of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 1.

In addition to the three Indonesian citizens, the Indonesian Embassy also noted that one Indonesian citizen worked in the capital city of Niamey, but during the coup, since July 26, he was taking leave and returning to Indonesia.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Abuja together with our honorary consul in Niger will continue to monitor the situation there," said Judha.

Earlier this week, Niger soldiers calling themselves the National Council for State Protection (CNSP) announced a coup over television, shortly after detaining President Mohamed Bazoum at his residence.

They called the deteriorating security situation and poor governance the reason for the coup.

Bazoum was elected in 2021 in Niger's first democratic transition to power since gaining independence from France in 1960.

The military junta, which seized power in Niger last week, accused France of planning an attack to release detained President Bazoum and return the ousted government.

On the other hand, France has denied the allegations by saying that the French government is only trying to protect citizens and their interests in Niger.

The African Union, the United Nations (UN), and other countries including France have condemned the actions of the junta that toppled Niger's elected government.