France Offers Support for ECOWAS Military Operation in Niger – Macron.
“French President Macron Reiterates Support for Niger’s Ousted Leader Amid Diplomatic Tensions”
French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s condemnation of the coup in Niger and its support for President Mohamed Bazoum, who is recognized as the legitimate leader in Niamey. This declaration comes in response to the recent expulsion of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte by the new military government, which assumed power in a coup last month.
The Nigerien Foreign Ministry issued an ultimatum on Friday, giving Ambassador Itte 48 hours to leave the country. This decision was based on the ambassador’s refusal to engage with the new military authorities and other actions by the French government that were seen as contrary to Niger’s interests.
Addressing diplomats in Paris on Monday, President Macron asserted that despite the military rulers’ directive, Ambassador Itte would remain in Niger. He commended the resilience of French diplomats, highlighting the challenging situations they have encountered in various countries, including Sudan and Niger.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been engaged in negotiations with the coup leaders in Niger. However, ECOWAS has also cautioned that if diplomatic efforts fail, it may deploy troops to Niamey to restore democratic governance.
President Macron praised President Bazoum’s decision not to resign, even though he has been under house arrest since the coup on July 26. Macron described Bazoum’s stance as courageous.
Macron emphasized that France’s policy of condemning the coup and supporting President Bazoum would not change. He stressed that Bazoum had been democratically elected, and France would continue to stand by him.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that hundreds of supporters of the military rulers rallied near a French military base in Niamey on Saturday. They called for the removal of French soldiers and accused Paris of interference in Niger’s internal affairs.
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France maintains a presence of 1,500 soldiers in its former colony, Niger, which is its last remaining ally in the Sahel region in the fight against jihadist insurgencies.
Earlier this month, Niger’s new leadership announced the cancellation of five military agreements with France. However, France has insisted on honoring these cooperation agreements, asserting that they were signed with the country’s “legitimate authorities.”
