Niger’s Junta Scraps Security Cooperation Agreements with France, Anti-France Protests Continue
Niger’s military junta announced late Thursday that it has decided to terminate cooperation agreements in the field of security and defense with France. This decision comes as Niger has become a crucial staging ground in the fight against Islamist militants affiliated with “Islamic State” and al-Qaeda.
Currently, between 1,000 and 1,500 French troops are stationed in Niger, making it an important strategic ally for France in the restive Sahel region. Following military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, France withdrew from both countries, leaving the government of ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum as one of France’s last partners in the region.
It remains uncertain when and if French forces will begin withdrawing from Niger. The French general staff in Paris has stated that it does not recognize any authority other than President Bazoum.
Since the coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani on July 26, counterterrorism operations conducted by the French, under the command of the Nigerien General Staff, have been suspended.
In addition to the termination of cooperation agreements, the military junta also blocked French international news broadcasters France 24 and Radio France Internationale. According to a senior Nigerien official, this was done on the instructions of the new military authorities.
The move to crackdown on French government-funded media came as pro-coup protests continued. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Niamey on Niger’s Independence Day. They held anti-France posters and waved Russian flags while chanting slogans against France. The protesters demanded the departure of France and expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, critics argue that the protests are orchestrated by the military rather than reflecting the true sentiment of the Nigerien people.
The French Foreign Ministry condemned the blocking of the news broadcasters and affirmed its commitment to freedom of expression, the press, and the protection of journalists.
Meanwhile, an ECOWAS delegation arrived in Niamey on Thursday night. ECOWAS has warned that it could intervene if the junta does not reinstate President Bazoum by Sunday, though military action would be a last resort. In response, Niger’s junta issued a warning stating that it would immediately respond to any aggression or attempted aggression by West African countries.
Senegal has declared its readiness to send soldiers to join ECOWAS in the event of a military intervention in Niger. Senegal’s Foreign Minister called the coup “one coup too many,” referencing previous coups in Mali and Burkina Faso that also saw pro-Russia juntas take power.
The situation in Niger remains tense as the military junta challenges its relationship with France and faces pressure from regional organizations like ECOWAS. The international community continues to closely monitor the developments in the country.