(3 minutes read)
Niger’s military regime accused France of deploying forces in several West African countries and termed them as military interventions
Niger’s military regime accused France of deploying forces in several West African countries and termed them as military interventions. Relations with France, Niger’s former colonial power, deteriorated after Paris stood by ousted President Mohamed Bazoum following the July coup.
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A spokesperson of Niger said that despite the announcement of its withdrawal plan, France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS countries as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger. ECOWAS has threatened to intervene militarily if diplomatic pressure to return Bazoum to office fails.
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On August 3, Niger’s coup leaders renounced several military cooperation agreements with France, which has about 1,500 soldiers stationed in the country as part of a wider fight against jihadism. On Sunday (yesterday), President Macron reiterated France’s stance, demanding the release of President Bazoum. He emphasized that the redeployment of troops would only occur upon request from the deposed head of state. This clearly states that France does not recognize the new military regime, which came into power through a coup.
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Macron continued to say that if France were to redeploy forces, it would do so only at the request of President Bazoum, who has not relinquished power. However, recently a Paris defense ministry source told French media that the French army was in talks with the military regime over withdrawing elements of its presence in Niger.
