In a significant development, the military junta in Niger has decided to cancel all security and military agreements with France. This decision also includes the lifting of the curfew that had been imposed in the country since July 27.
Following the announcement by Paris that it would continue its presence in Niger despite the expiration of the deadline for departure, there has been heightened security around the French embassy in Niamey. Reports suggest a tense calm in the area.
The military council is reportedly exerting pressure on the ousted president to resign by sending a mediation delegation. However, the proposed delegation refused to engage in discussions with the deposed president.
The West African Sahel region is currently witnessing rapid geopolitical shifts, which have the potential to escalate tensions and trigger struggles for influence among international players. Niger, in particular, has become an arena for such struggles following the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power in July.
In a recent speech to French ambassadors, President Emmanuel Macron outlined his foreign policy roadmap for the upcoming year, acknowledging the increasingly challenging and complex international situation. Macron emphasized the importance of safeguarding France’s interests and expressed concerns about Europe’s diminishing role in the face of the complexities surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.
Macron addressed several challenges faced by French foreign policy, including the coup in Niger that ousted President Bazoum, who had close ties with Paris. Tensions between Niamey and its former colonial power have escalated since the coup, with calls for the French ambassador to leave the country. France currently maintains around 1,500 soldiers in Niger.
Macron acknowledged the difficulties encountered by France and its diplomats in recent months in various countries, including Niger and Sudan, where conflict has arisen between the army and the Rapid Support Forces since April.
