Niger says France amassing troops, equipment in ECOWAS states
This statement comes as tensions between Niger and France - its former colonial power - have escalated following the July 26 military coup.
Paris sided with deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and rejected Niger's demands to withdraw its troops and envoys from the Sahel state.
Niger is also embroiled in a conflict with the ECOWAS bloc, which has threatened to intervene militarily if diplomatic pressure to reinstate Bazouma fails. Meanwhile, in Niamey, thousands of people organize almost daily demonstrations around the military base where French soldiers are housed to demand their withdrawal. France has around 1,500 troops in the country as part of a broader fight against groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Amid the tensions, AFP news agency reported on Tuesday that Paris was in talks with the army about withdrawing "elements" from its presence in Niger. He quoted a source in the French Defense Ministry. Military Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine also said a “long-awaited” withdrawal of French troops was being discussed.
Zeine also said on Monday that his government wanted to “maintain cooperation with a country with which we have a lot in common,” adding that he “hopes” to reach an agreement with ECOWAS.
The United States, which has about 1,100 troops in Niger, has begun moving its troops from Niamey to downtown Agadez "as a precautionary measure," the U.S. Defense Department announced this week.
Niger's Military Coup: The crisis began with a military coup in Niger on July 26. The coup leaders, led by Colonel Amadou Abdramane, ousted the elected President Mohamed Bazoum, causing political instability in the country.
France's Historical Ties with Niger: France has a historical connection with Niger as its former colonial power. Over the years, France has maintained a military presence in the region, primarily aimed at countering jihadist and terrorist groups, including those affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS. This presence is part of a broader French strategy in the Sahel region to combat terrorism and instability.
ECOWAS Involvement: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional organization that promotes economic cooperation and political stability in West Africa. In response to the coup, ECOWAS has taken a firm stance by demanding the restoration of the democratically elected government and threatening military intervention if diplomatic efforts fail. Niger's military government views ECOWAS as complicit with France in planning an intervention.
Allegations of French Troop Buildup: The coup leaders in Niger have accused France of amassing troops and equipment in neighbouring ECOWAS member states, including Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Benin. They claim that this buildup is part of a preparation for a military intervention against Niger.
Protests in Niger: In response to the coup and France's perceived support for the ousted president, there have been ongoing protests in Niger, particularly around military bases housing French soldiers. Demonstrators are demanding the departure of French troops from Niger.
International Involvement: Besides France, the United States also has a military presence in Niger, primarily focused on counterterrorism efforts. The U.S. has begun relocating some of its troops from Niamey to Agadez as a precaution amid the political instability.
Negotiations and Diplomacy: There have been reported discussions between France, Niger's military-appointed government, and ECOWAS regarding the withdrawal of French troops from Niger. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain and may influence the overall situation.
Geopolitical Implications: The crisis in Niger highlights the complex web of geopolitical interests in the Sahel region, which includes concerns about terrorism, security, and the balance of power. It also raises questions about the role of former colonial powers in the region and the balance between sovereignty and international intervention.
The situation in Niger is fluid and evolving, with diplomatic efforts, negotiations, and regional dynamics playing a crucial role in determining its outcome. The allegations of a French troop buildup and the threat of military intervention by ECOWAS add further complexity to an already volatile situation in the region. International observers are closely monitoring developments in Niger to assess their potential impact on regional stability.