“Hot news: the standoff between France and the Nigerien junta”
The political situation in Niger continues to attract the attention of the international community. After two months of tension between France and the Nigerien junta which overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, President Emmanuel Macron made a shock announcement during an interview broadcast on TF1 and France 2 on September 24, 2023.
The first decision taken by the French president was the return to Paris of the French ambassador to Niamey. This measure puts an end to a dispute which had lasted for several weeks. Indeed, the Nigerien junta demanded the departure of the French ambassador, thus creating a precarious situation for him and his team who were in some ways taken hostage.
At the same time, Emmanuel Macron also announced the withdrawal of French troops present in Niger by the end of the year. This decision echoes recent pressure exerted by hostile juntas in the Sahel. After Mali and Burkina Faso, France is therefore forced to withdraw from Niger, formerly an ally of Paris in the fight against terrorism.
This decision to withdraw French troops comes after a series of defense cooperation agreements called into question by the Nigerien junta which claims that the French presence is illegal on their soil. Popular demonstrations demanding the departure of foreign troops have also added to the complexity of the situation.
Emmanuel Macron wanted to recall that France still considers Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate authority of Niger, despite his arrest by the junta. However, Paris was forced to end its military cooperation with the de facto authorities who no longer show the will to fight against terrorism.
The French president stressed that military cooperation between France and Niger was an effective response to the terrorism that has plagued the region for years. He also expressed concern about the future of the Sahel region, saying that without French intervention, some countries would have already been invaded by jihadist groups.
France’s decision to end its military cooperation with Niger marks a turning point in the geopolitical situation in the region. The consequences of this withdrawal remain to be determined, but it is certain that it will have an impact on the fight against terrorism in the Sahel.
In conclusion, the standoff between France and the Nigerien junta testifies to the political tensions agitating the Sahel region. The withdrawal of French troops and the return of the ambassador to Paris mark a major change in the diplomatic and security situation in Niger. The fight against terrorism in the region remains a major challenge, and it is now up to local actors to find solutions to ensure the stability and security of the population.