France rebuffed the Niger junta’s attempt to cancel bilateral military agreements, asserting that only the recognized leadership of Niger had the authority to do so.
The French foreign ministry clarified that their defense agreement with Niger was based on accords signed with the legitimate authorities of the country, and they continue to recognize President Mohamed Bazoum’s detained government as the rightful leadership.
Nevertheless, France acknowledged the junta’s statement on military cooperation. The junta representative cited the former ruler’s “careless attitude” when announcing the decision to revoke five military deals with France, which occurred amid a surge of anti-French sentiment in the region.
