French media companies France 24 and RFI said in a statement on Thursday that their broadcasts had been blocked in coup-torn Niger, claiming that the "decision [was] made outside any legal or conventional framework."

According to AFP correspondents, the two businesses' broadcasts have been unavailable in Niger since Thursday afternoon. A senior employee who spoke to AFP under the condition of anonymity said their signals were disrupted "on the instructions of the new military authorities." In Niger, a former French colony, anti-French demonstrations have been prompted by last week's coup.

This comes as the West African bloc gave Niger's junta until Thursday to restore ousted leader Mohamed Bazoum or risk a potential military intervention. However, Nigeria's President encouraged the group to do "whatever it takes" to bring about an "amicable resolution" to the issue.

According to a statement from the Nigerian presidency, Bola Tinubu instructed two delegations from ECOWAS to "do whatever it takes to ensure a conclusive and amicable resolution of the situation in Niger."

Paris 'firmly condemns' blocking of French media in Niger

Suspending French media broadcasts in Niger, where last week's coup d'état provoked anti-Paris riots, was "firmly condemned" later by France.

"France reaffirms its constant engagement and determination in favour of freedom of expression, the press, and the protection of journalists," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

France evacuates 736 people from Niger: Foreign Ministry

The French Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that France evacuated 736 people from Niger and is currently preparing the next evacuation flight.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry said the first two evacuation flights had landed in Paris, evacuating 350 French nationals, as well as citizens of other countries, including Niger, Portugal, Belgium, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Germany, Canada, India, the United States, and Austria.

On July 30, thousands of people took to the streets against France and the ECOWAS in the Nigerien capital of Niamey, opposing their condemnation of the coup in the country.

Following the protests, France started evacuating its citizens and other European nationals. On Tuesday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also said the European Union had decided to evacuate all its citizens from Niger.

The recent coup

The coup unfolded on Wednesday, July 26, when members of the Nigerien presidential guard announced on national television that they had ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Subsequently, they closed the country's borders and imposed a curfew "until further notice."

The coup came shortly after the presidential guard detained President Bazoum at his residence and sealed off access to public offices in the capital city, Niamey.

Local media reported that the coup was triggered by President Bazoum's alleged plan to dismiss General Omar Tchiani, the commander of the presidential guard.

Days later, the Republic of Niger, under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, and supported by the people of the Republic, announced the suspension of the export of uranium and gold to France on Sunday.

In parallel to the decision, protesters were surrounding the French Embassy in Niger calling for the end of French colonial practices repeating the slogan "Down with France!" and reaffirming their support to the coup leader, Tchiani.