Niger Coup
The junta that took power in Niger at the end of June called for the withdrawal of French troops from the country, and thousands demonstrated in Niamey on Saturday to demand that France comply with this demand.
As a response to a call made by numerous civic organizations that are opposed to the presence of French soldiers in the West African country, the protestors gathered in the area around a base that houses French soldiers.
“We are here to express our determination, our commitment, and our devotion to getting the French military force and all of the military bases on our national territory out of the country,” remarked demonstrator Amidou Gourou. “We are here to express our determination, our commitment, and our devotion to getting the French military force out of the country.
On Friday, the military administration in Niger issued a fresh verbal salvo directed at France, accusing the French capital of “blatant interference” in the country’s political process in support of the deposed president Mohamed Bazoum.
At the beginning of August, the authorities made an announcement that they would be terminating their military arrangements with France. France now has approximately 1,500 soldiers stationed in the country to assist in the battle against jihadism in the region.
Paris chose to disregard the move because it lacked legitimacy.
The military rulers have also declared the immediate “expulsion” of the French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, and the withdrawal of his diplomatic immunity. They have stated that his presence poses a threat to public order and that his presence would result in the withdrawal of his diplomatic protection.
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Itte’s work in Niger and announced that he will remain in the country, despite having been set a deadline to depart Niger within the past week of only forty-eight hours.
Also Read: Niger Coup: France Dismisses Accusations Of Military Participation In Niger 2023
