In the aftermath a presidential coup threw the West African nation into a political crisis that alienated its neighbors, France was ready to withdraw French and European people from Niger on Tuesday.

The first evacuation plane was "airborne," according to French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, but she did not say whether it was headed to or from Niger.

The minister told French network LCI that France will remove "several hundred French and several hundred European" nationals who want to leave Niger, adding that she expects the operation will be finished in a day.

The ministry said it would remove French and European citizens on Tuesday due to the “situation in Niamey,” where pro-military supporters rallied outside the French Embassy in the Nigerien capital to demonstrate against the country’s post-colonial influence.

As reported by CNN, the French embassy in Niger has issued a message to French citizens in the country, providing instructions for those who wish to be evacuated. The message advises them to bring food and water with them while they await boarding for the evacuation.

In response to the situation, Italy has also announced that it will offer a special flight to evacuate its citizens from Niamey, as stated by the country's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Tuesday. According to a spokesperson from the Italian Foreign Ministry, there are currently fewer than 90 Italian civilians and just over 300 military personnel in Niger.

In the meantime, Burkina Faso and Mali have issued a joint statement expressing their stance on the matter. They have stated that any military intervention against Niger would be considered an act of war against them. This comes after other West African leaders imposed financial and travel penalties against the coup plotters in Niger.

“All military intervention against Niger will be considered equivalent to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” the two countries said in a joint statement on Monday.

The recent ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday has elicited mixed reactions from countries in the Sahel region, which have been grappling with the threat of militant extremism and its destabilizing effects on local governments.

In response to the situation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a stern warning to the military junta on Sunday, demanding the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum. The regional body made it clear that they would not hesitate to consider the "use of force" if their demands were not met within one week.

To exert pressure on the coup perpetrators, ECOWAS imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on the military officials involved in the coup attempt, as well as on their family members. Furthermore, the ban extends to civilians who agree to participate in any institutions or government established by the coup leaders. This decisive action aims to send a strong message against any attempts to disrupt the constitutional order in the region.