'New step toward sovereignty': Niger hails French army withdrawal news

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Sep 2023 09:13
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The new Niger government describes the French decision to withdraw the ambassador and troops as a "historic moment".

Youth gather to register to volunteer to fight for the country as part of a volunteer initiative, in Niamey, Niger, on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 (AP)

After France announced that it would withdraw its ambassador and military troops from Niger by the end of the year, the new Nigerien government hailed the news as "a new step towards sovereignty."

"This Sunday, we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger," read the statement.

"The French troops and the ambassador of France will leave Nigerien soil by the end of the year."

"This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people."

Yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will summon back its French Ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, along with the entire personnel from the French Embassy.

Macron said France plans to orchestrate the withdrawal of its troops from Niger in the upcoming weeks or months, with the French military personnel returning to France by the conclusion of 2023.

On its part, commenting on the announced withdrawal of France from the African country, Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) said the presence of France's forces in Niger is not welcome.

"Any person, organization or structure whose presence threatens the interests of our country must leave the land of our ancestors, whether they want it or not. The sovereign people of Niger recall the firm and inviolable principle of the withdrawal of foreign forces of the French junta. Imperialist and neo-colonial forces are not welcome on our national territory," the interim Nigerien government said in a statement.

In late July, Nigerien military leaders overthrew the pro-Western Mohamed Bazoum, installing a new government in his place.

Earlier in August, the new Nigerien government issued an ultimatum for the French Ambassador to depart within 48 hours, AFP reported.

In a statement, Niger's Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that the decision to expel French Ambassador Sylvain Itte was prompted by a series of perceived provocations by the French government.

Notably, the refusal of the French ambassador to engage in a scheduled meeting with the minister and other actions that were deemed contrary to Niger's interests led to this drastic diplomatic measure.

The strained relationship traces back to suspicions that Paris has covert designs to intervene militarily in Niger, to reinstate the ousted President Bazoum.

What you need to know

On July 26, Niger's presidential guard overthrew Bazoum. The guard's commander, Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

The military chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States met to discuss options for military intervention in Niger. The goal of the meeting reportedly is to outline a plan for the intervention, its strategy, logistical aspects, and timetable.

Correspondingly, military leaders in Niger have warned against any armed intervention in their country, stressing that they will "resolutely defend their homeland."

The interim governments of Mali and Burkina Faso warned that any military intervention against Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them.

ECOWAS has resorted to implementing a full pressure campaign on the country, which included the closure of land and air borders between the bloc's countries and Niger, the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions with it, and the freezing of the country's assets in ECOWAS Central Banks.

The bloc also suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze the assets of the coup leaders, their families, and supporters, and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country.