Niger accuses France of deploying troops for possible intervention
- Written by VOA
FILE - Supporters of Niger's National Concil for the Safeguard of the Homeland display a National flag as they protest ouside a French and Niger airbase in Niamey
Niger's junta on Sunday accused France of deploying troops in several West African countries as part of preparations for a possible military intervention together with the regional bloc ECOWAS in Niger.
In a communique read on state television overnight, the junta also repeated its call for the departure of French troops from its territory — a major source of tension between the one-time allies since the July 26 ouster of president Mohamed Bazoum.
The statement appealed to "national and international opinion to witness the consequences of this aggressive, underhanded and contemptuous attitude adopted by France."
Relations between Niger and its former colonizer France have soured since Paris declared the junta illegitimate. Amid a wave of anti-French sentiment, the coup's leaders have also followed the strategy of juntas in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in seeking to end long-standing military ties with France in the regionwide fight against Islamist insurgencies.
Asked about the junta's latest comments, French President Emmanuel Macron said "we do not recognize any legitimacy in the statements of the putschists."
Regarding the some 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger, Macron said any decision about their deployment would only be made in coordination with Bazoum.
"If we ever redeploy... I would do so only at the request of President Bazoum," Macron told a news conference at the close of a two-day summit of G20 leaders in India.
He did not directly address the allegation that France was deploying troops elsewhere in West Africa as part of a regional proposal to use force as a last resort to restore democracy.
The main regional bloc ECOWAS has slapped sanctions on Niger and activated a so-called standby force for the possible military intervention, although talks are ongoing to find a diplomatic solution.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, who holds ECOWAS' revolving chairmanship, has suggested that a nine-month transition back to civilian rule could satisfy regional powers. Niger's junta has previously proposed a three-year timeline.
Comments
They want to ask; Who are the African people that are going to continue to pay back the trillion of dollars the continent of Africa owes the lenders of such astronomical amounts of debts?
It is alright to fight to the death for human rights and the rest. Afterwards who is supposed to work and pay up such a modern digital economic mess as this one?
But many African people are very much aware that employment, business, environment and modern technology and the very future of this continent are all at cross roads.
Everything these days costs money and lives. Even wars cost money and lives. The French citizens know all about these catastrophe during the two World Wars in their own mother country!
Maintaining military presence further worsen situation in lands engaged in internal politicomilitary wars!
Even USA that believed it's presence in muslim/arab lands was necessary finally understood it wasen't, isn't, won't be!
For how long will French Ambassador survive confinement, with Nigers singing they don't want France around?
From 1987, Niger has had 6 presidents!
From 1981, France has had 5 presidents!
Is there any reason France imposes anything on Niger, when the people are alright with the military coup & waiting for election?
Niger has uranium. French and the West do not want to lose that to Russia and China. That is the main reason why they want to invade Niger. One may ask, why not Gabon which has just had a coup?
Thanks.
This is why Africans MUST ensure they are well governed & be the ones to control land riches & not let Russia, China...control Africa & land riches!
When Moroco was hit by hearthquake, the multi millionair king Mohammed was enjoying life in Paris with money he gets for doing nothing for the people!
Yet when he went back, he hasen't even gone to look at the people who survived & destroyed homes, but he said NO to France offer of millions of euros to help - Mohammed can enjoy life in Paris, but his needy people can't get help from France!
So many Morocans live & work in France but those who can't get residence papers & sent back to Moroco aren't accepted back home!
Thanks.
This is why French ensure they are well governed with humane Public/Social Services that is attracting Morocans...!
Africans MUST ensure they are well governed & stop present naive, self rightious useless rulers handing over the continent to Russia, China!
Africa is not in danger with USA/UK/EU as these want normal business, unlike China, Russia who want control of Africa land riches!
Africans can't get jobs, social services at home, so migrate to USA/UK/EU, while Russia & China are using the Ramaphosas to finally own Africa & land riches!
Africans will continue getting poorer because of bad rule, while the educated, young... migrate to developed lands to refurbish buildings, roads, houses, work in healthcare, retirement homes, education..., while Africa sinks, yet the useless rulers & families get richer,but blame USA/UK/EU!
Only Africans can ensure they, their lands are well governed with the huge money Africa has through land ricfhes!
USA/UK/EU need Africa land riches, so Africfan MUST ensure Good Governance through real normal business!
Just to add;
So many from Niger, Gabon..., have made France their home while many are dying day & night to reach France for Public/Social Services they didn't, don't will never get in their rich countries!
Look, Moroco king Mohammed was in France enjuoying life when the hearthquake hit his land! He hasen't yet gone to see things on the ground & refused millions given to help his poor in dire need!
Yet, France is insisting & want to help!
Moroco king rejected Morocans sent back from France, but France is keeping them & ensuring they get Public/Social Services!