In light of the deteriorating relations following a coup in July, French media reports claim that France is in talks with the military of Niger about the prospect of removing its troops from the West African country.
Nicolas Normand, a former French ambassador to Mali and Senegal, confirmed the reports to the media, saying that according to his sources, negotiations to “partially” withdraw troops from Niger were in progress.
The discussions between the two militaries should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the coup leaders, according to Normand’s source, who wishes to remain unnamed. Rather, they are a “technical” discussion.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source in the defense ministry told AFP that talks on the withdrawal of “certain military elements” were in progress. The source omitted any specifics.
France has been at odds with Niger’s new military authorities after refusing to acknowledge the July 26 coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally. Bazoum, who is still being held captive, continues to have the support of France’s President Emmanuel Macron.
Thousands of people rallied for days in the capital Niamey in support of the new regime’s tough stance against the former colonial power and the coup leaders’ call for the French ambassador and troops to leave Niger.
As part of its broader campaign against armed rebels in the Sahel region, 1,500 French troops are stationed in Niger. After coups made French troops evacuate from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger became a key hub for France.
Source-Aljazeera
