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French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected a proposal from Niger’s military junta to withdraw its soldiers following a coup that strained relations between the two nations.
Tensions between Niger and its former colonial power have escalated since the July 26th revolution that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and severed military ties with France.
Macron has indicated that he would support a decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to use force to restore democracy, but the bloc has since shifted its stance and emphasized diplomacy as its primary approach to resolving the Niger crisis.
“We would redeploy our troops only if requested by President Bazoum,” Macron stated, referring to Niger’s ousted leader, during the conclusion of the G-20 summit in New Delhi, India, on Sunday. “We do not recognize the legitimacy of the statements made by the coup leaders.”
Macron’s remarks come in response to the ruling junta’s claim that France has not adhered to its request for the 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger to depart by September 3rd.
A junta spokesperson mentioned over the weekend that Nigerien and French military leaders had met earlier this month to discuss a strategy for the withdrawal of French soldiers from Niger.
“As of today, there has been no progress in the plan’s implementation,” Abdramane stated on the national broadcaster Tele Sahel. “France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS countries as part of preparations for a potential intervention in Niger in collaboration with the regional bloc.”
