Netherlands trying to evacuate Dutch citizens from Niger, Ministry says

The Netherlands is currently "doing everything possible" to get Dutch citizens in Niger and want to leave on international evacuation flights, according to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On 26 July 2023, a coup took place in Niger.

The ambassador in Niger, Paul Tholen, confirmed this, stating that the situation for these Dutch citizens is "insecure and frightening." “We support them, have close contact and prepare for all scenarios,” he said.

On Tuesday, Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra declared that the Cabinet was "deeply concerned about the political and security situation in Niger." He added that the Netherlands was in close contact with France and other partners about evacuation options.

On Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, two evacuation flights from Niger landed in Paris and Rome. No Dutch people were on these flights, but there were citizens from France, Niger, Belgium, Portugal, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Italy, America, Bulgaria, and Austria.