Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the capital city of Niamey on Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of French troops from Niger. The protest was organized by several civic organizations that have been critical of the French military presence in the West African country. The demonstrators congregated near a base housing French soldiers, sending a clear message of their opposition.
One of the protesters, Amidou Gourou, expressed their determination saying, “We are here to express our devotion and commitment to the removal of the French military force and all military bases from our national territory.”
The military regime that seized power in late June has been openly hostile to France’s involvement in Niger. On Friday, the ruling junta launched a verbal attack on France, accusing Paris of “blatant interference” for supporting the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. In response, the regime announced in early August that it was scrapping all military agreements with France. The agreements had allowed France to maintain approximately 1,500 soldiers in Niger to assist in counterterrorism efforts.
While the Nigerien regime’s decision raised concerns in France, particularly regarding the fight against jihadism in the region, Paris chose to disregard the move, citing questions about the legitimacy of the junta.
Adding to the tensions, the military rulers recently announced the “expulsion” of the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte. They also revoked his diplomatic immunity, claiming that his presence in the country threatened public order. However, French President Emmanuel Macron praised Ambassador Itte’s work in Niger and reiterated that he would remain in the country, despite having been given a 48-hour deadline to leave Niger.
The demand for the withdrawal of French troops reflects a broader sentiment among the population in Niger. Many feel that the military presence of a former colonial power undermines national sovereignty and hampers the country’s ability to address its own security challenges. It is important to note that France’s continued military presence in Niger is based on agreements between the two countries dating back to Niger’s independence in 1960. France has maintained a significant military presence in its former colonies in Africa, aiming to combat terrorism and maintain stability in the region.
The ongoing protests in Niamey and the government’s strong stance against France highlight the strained relationship between the two nations. France has been a key partner for Niger in the fight against extremist groups, such as Boko Haram and Islamic State-affiliated militants, who have been a destabilizing force in the Sahel region.
As tensions mount, it remains to be seen how the standoff between the Nigerien regime and France will be resolved. The calls for the withdrawal of French troops reflect the desire for self-determination and sovereignty among the people of Niger. Meanwhile, France will need to consider the implications of its military presence in the region and seek a balanced approach that respects both national sovereignty and security cooperation.
