Niger’s military regime accused France of deploying forces in several West African countries with a view to “military intervention.”
“France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS countries as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger, which it is planning in collaboration with this community organization,” regime spokesman Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said.
Tensions escalated between the two sides after Paris supported the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum post the July coup.
The Sahel nation is also in conflict with ECOWAS, the West African coalition, which might take military action if efforts to reinstate Bazoum fail.
Last year, Niger’s coup orchestrators ended several military pacts with France, which has around 1,500 troops nationwide combatting jihadists.
A defense source from Paris disclosed to AFP that discussions about reducing the French military presence in the West African country are underway.
Earlier in September, the regime said its chief of staff had “received the commander of French forces in the Sahel … to discuss a plan for the disengagement of French military capabilities.”
Earlier this month, Niger‘s Military Council condemned what it termed as France’s “blatant additional interference.” This followed remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Macron had expressed his support for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Colonel Amadou Abdel Rahman, the spokesperson for the Military Council, said, “The government of the Republic of Niger observed with displeasure the statements made by the President of the French Republic on Monday, August 28, 2023.” He emphasized that these comments represent “blatant additional interference in Niger’s internal affairs.”
