“The French Forces Will Redeploy Only At The Request Of Bazoum”, President Macron

Niger’s transitional regime has accused France of deploying forces in several West African countries for military intervention.

Relations with France, Niger’s former colonial power, deteriorated rapidly after Paris stood by ousted President Mohamed Bazoum following the July coup.

“It is appropriate to bring to the attention of public opinion, national and international, that despite the announcement of this withdrawal plan, France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS countries (editor’s note, Economic Community of States of West Africa) as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger, which he is preparing in collaboration with this community organization,” accused Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for the Nigerien regime.

The Sahel state is also embroiled in a standoff with the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has threatened to intervene militarily if diplomatic pressure to return Bazoum to power fails.

On August 3, Niger’s coup leaders abandoned several military cooperation agreements with France, which has around 1,500 troops stationed in the country as part of a broader fight against jihadism.

On Sunday, President Macron reiterated France’s position, demanding the release of President Bazoum.

He stressed that the redeployment of troops would only take place at the request of the deposed head of state.

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“Since last July, a coup has held a democratically elected president hostage. France’s position is simple: we condemn it, we call for the release of President Bazoum and the restoration of constitutional order, and we do not recognize its legitimacy. statements by the putschists, since President Bazoum has not relinquished power. And so, if we redeploy anything, I will only do so at the request of President Bazoum and in coordination with him, and not with the officials who are taking a president hostage today. On this subject, since day one, France has been coordinating with all regional presidents and heads of state and government, and we fully support the positions of ECOWAS,” said French President Emmanuel Macron.

Tuesday, a source from the Paris Ministry of Defense told French media The world the French army was in talks with the military regime on the withdrawal of its soldiers present in Niger.

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