Italy Opposes Western Intervention in Niger

Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani declared his opposition to any Western military intervention in Niger, stating that such an intervention would be considered a new form of colonization.

In an interview with "Rainews24" news channel on Wednesday, Tajani emphasized the need to focus on restoring democracy in Niger while excluding any Western military initiatives as they could lead to a new form of colonialism.

He further asserted that Africa should be seen as a crucial axis for Italy, Europe, and the West, rather than a space for colonization. 

He suggested achieving this through joint projects for raw material extraction, enabling partner countries to have equal positions.

Military forces in Niger recently ousted President Mohamed Bazoum closed the borders and imposed a curfew. Prior to that, members of the presidential guard surrounded the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey. 

Bazoum's office stated that the army did not support the rebels, but the army's leadership later declared its solidarity with them.

Last Monday, a special plane sent by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs landed at Rome's Ciampino Airport to evacuate Italian citizens from Niger. 

The Italian Defense Ministry reported that 99 passengers, including foreigners, who wished to leave Niger, arrived in Rome aboard an Italian Air Force Boeing 767 aircraft.