Title: France and Niger: a fragile cooperation undermined by a coup
Introduction :
France and Niger have long maintained a close bilateral relationship, particularly in the field of military cooperation. However, the recent coup in Niger called into question this fruitful collaboration. In this article, we will examine the fragility of the situation in Niger, the consequences of this coup on the fight against terrorism, as well as the stakes for France and Niger.
1. The fragility of the situation in Niger:
The French Minister for the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, acknowledges that France was aware of the fragility of the situation in Niger. President Mohamed Bazoum had already faced an attempt at destabilization shortly after his election in March 2021. This recognition raises questions about France’s ability to anticipate and manage risks in the region.
2. Consequences for the fight against terrorism:
Military cooperation between France and Niger was suspended due to the coup. This suspension jeopardizes the progress made in the fight against terrorist groups operating in the region. France believes that the population of Niger is being taken hostage by the putschists, which compromises everyone’s safety.
3. The challenges for France and Niger:
For France, the situation in Niger calls into question its military presence in the region and its ability to protect its strategic interests. The suspension of military cooperation also raises questions about the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism in the Sahel region. For Niger, this coup further weakens the state already facing major security, economic and political challenges.
Conclusion :
The coup in Niger highlighted the fragility of the situation in the region and called into question the military cooperation between France and Niger. The suspension of this cooperation has important consequences for the fight against terrorism in the region, putting everyone’s security at risk. It is crucial that France and Niger work together to find solutions and restore solid cooperation in the interests of regional stability and security