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Niger Scraps Military Pacts With France

Niger's junta said in a televised statement that it has "decided to scrap cooperation agreements in the field of security and defense" with France.

It is currently unclear if and when French forces will begin withdrawing. The French general staff in Paris has told newspaper Le Monde that it does not recognize any other authority than that of deposed president Mohamed Bazoum.

After France withdrew from Mali and Burkina Faso following military coups in both countries, the government of ousted Bazoum was one of it's last strategic allies in the restive Sahel region. Between 1,000 and 1,500 French troops are currently stationed in Nige

The United States joined several European nations in evacuating their nationals from the country, but says it's closely watching the situation. The State Department, however, said that the mission will remain open and senior leadership will continue working. Washington has so far not announced any withdrawal of troops from niger were it has around 1,100 US troops.

Earlier, France's military and foreign ministry said France has been evacuating not only its citizens but people of other nationalities.

The foreign ministry said about 1,000 people have left Niger on four flights and a fifth flight is under way. People from Portugal, Belgium, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Germany, Canada, India, Austria and the U.S. are being evacuated by the French.

Niger's military junta under Abdourahamane Tchiani overthrew the government of President Mohamed Bazoum last week. The Economic community of West African States and foreign partners are calling tor a return to constitutionality in that country..

General Tchiani, the head of the powerful presidential guard, declared himself the leader of the country as the elected president Mohamed Bazoum was been held by the military for four days.

The fight for power has created a tense political climate in Niger, with supporters of the junta burning French flags and attacking the French embassy in capital Niamey.

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement saying any attacks on the institutions of the French state in Niger would be met with a "swift and uncompromising response."

InFocus

NigerTZai/Wikimedia Commons

Maourey Avenue (Rue ST-3) in the 'Stade' neighborhood in downtown Niamey,.

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