The crisis occasioned by military overthrow of government in Niger Republic is becoming deeper as France is asserting its political weight on the country and its other colonial creations.
French President Emmanuel Macron told French publication Le Point that without France’s military operations in the Sahel “there would probably no longer be a Mali … Burkina Faso, and I’m not sure there would still be Niger.”
French troops were moved from Mali to Niger after its military leaders cut ties with the former colonial power.
In the interview, Macron defended his administration’s policy in the Sahel as one of partnership rather than focusing on security.
Nigeriens set for rallies to demand French troops exit
A coalition of Nigerien civil society groups opposed to the presence of French forces in the country yesterday launched a three-day sit-in to demand the departure of the French contingent.
There are about 1,500 such troops in Niger, who are mainly deployed to help fight the jihadist insurgency in the region.
The M62 group said the French have outlived their usefulness in their country while another group, the Patriotic Front for the Sovereignty of Niger plans to kick off its own protests today and will continue “until the departure of all French soldiers.”
Paris vows response if Niger targets French facilities —Army
The French military yesterday warned that it would respond swiftly should further tensions in Niger target its military and diplomatic facilities in that country following the recent coup.
French military spokesman Colonel Pierre Gaudilliere said “the French military forces are ready to respond to any upturn in tension that could harm French diplomatic and military premises in Niger.
“Measures have been taken to protect these premises,” he said.
The junta had given French Ambassador Sylvain Itte 48 hours to “leave Nigerien territory.”
Itte refused to comply and remained at his post.
The authorities thereafter withdrew his diplomatic immunities and asked the police to get him out of the country.
