The military regime in power in Niger since the coup d’état of July 26 recently accused France of preparing an aggression against the country. According to Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, a member of the regime, France has deployed its forces in several countries neighboring Niger, as part of preparations in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The accusations relate in particular to the deployment of French military equipment in Ivory Coast, Benin and Senegal. The generals in power believe that these maneuvers are aimed at carrying out a military intervention against Niger.
These accusations arise in a context of tensions between France and the Nigerien regime. Indeed, after the coup d’état, ECOWAS threatened to intervene militarily to restore constitutional order in Niger and free the overthrown president. This decision was supported by France, which has soldiers in the country as part of the fight against terrorism.
The Nigerien regime also recently denounced several military cooperation agreements concluded with France and expressed its wish to see French soldiers leave the country. Demonstrations even brought together thousands of people in Niamey to demand their departure.
In this tense context, the military regime claims to have initiated discussions with the head of French forces in the Sahel on a “disengagement plan” for French troops. However, the regime declares that these forces are present illegally in Niger and that the announcement of their withdrawal does not come from the official level of the French general staff.
France, for its part, refuses to recall its ambassador declared persona non grata by the Nigerien authorities and maintains its position of cooperation with the country, despite diplomatic tensions.
This situation highlights the growing tensions between France and the Nigerien military regime, both of which seek to defend their interests and their vision of the situation in Niger. It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve in the coming months.