The military council in Niger said on Friday that it had canceled a number of military cooperation agreements with France after the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in a military coup last week.
France has between 1,000 and 1,500 troops in Niger to help counter an insurgency waged by groups linked to al Qaeda and ISIS in the region.
A member of the military council stated that in the face of France’s position and its reaction to the situation in Niger, “the National Council for the Protection of the Nation decided to nullify cooperation agreements with this country in the field of security and defense.”
In a statement, the military council pledged to respond “immediately” to “any aggression” from abroad.
The Council also completed the missions of their country’s ambassadors to France, the United States, Nigeria and Togo.
The military council stops broadcasting French media outlets
• Supporters of the military junta in Niger organized protests in the capital, Niamey, on Thursday, to protest against foreign sanctions, while France condemned the suspension of the new authorities’ broadcasting of two prominent French radio and television stations in the country.
• Niger on Thursday stopped broadcasting two French news stations, France 24 and Radio France International, which prompted the French Foreign Ministry to condemn the move.
• Earlier on Thursday, hundreds of supporters of Niger’s military junta marched in the capital, Niamey, to protest against foreign pressure on the coup leaders.
• In addition to imposing sanctions, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it may authorize the use of force if Bazoum is not restored to power by Sunday.
• Western countries are concerned that Niger, like some of its neighbours, may turn to Russia as an alternative ally and that the unrest may allow hard-line extremist groups to expand.
African intervention plan
• Senior West African defense officials are concluding their discussions in Nigeria about possible intervention in Niger, though they said this would be a last resort.
• Senegalese Foreign Minister Aissata Tal Sall said that Senegalese soldiers would participate if ECOWAS decided to intervene.
• ECOWAS is also making diplomatic initiatives. A Nigerian-led delegation from the group went to Niger on Thursday seeking a “decisive and amicable solution to the situation,” according to the Nigerian presidency.
• US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the “ECOWAS” strategy enjoys his support.
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2023-08-03 23:37:30
