2023-08-04 00:40:54
The situation remains tense in Niger, more than a week after the putschist military coup of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), now in power. Earlier in the evening of August 3, a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) arrived in Niamey, with the aim of establishing a dialogue with the junta in order to obtain the return to constitutional order. The first contacts on site were positive.
But at the end of the evening, the CNSP spoke through the voice of Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, the same who had spoken on July 26, when the soldiers had announced to have overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum. The putschists in Niger took a stand on three issues.
The junta denounces “thecooperation agreements in the field of security and defense » with France
They, in a press release read on national television, denounced several military agreements concluded with France, which concern in particular the “ parking of the French detachment and the Status of the soldiers present in the context of the anti-jihadist fight. ” Faced with France’s casual attitude and reaction to the situation » in Niger, « the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland decides to denounce the cooperation agreements in the field of security and defense with this State said Amadou Abdramane.
France evacuated 577 of its nationals to Niger on August 1 and 2, in the face of the country’s wobbly situation. A decision denounced by the military authorities. In addition, the French State has 1,500 soldiers deployed in Niger as part of the fight against terrorism.
« Immediate response » in case of aggression against Niger
The putschists also decided to put ” end to the functions of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger of four countries: France and the United States, two allies of President Bazoum, Nigeria, whose President Bola Tinubu is also at the head of ECOWAS and which has pronounced sanctions against Niger – suspension of financial transactions and trade, freezing of putschists’ assets, cutting of electricity supply… –, and Togo.
Read alsoNiger: Bazoum is “well” but is sequestered in difficult conditions, according to the PNDS
Finally, the Nigerien junta issued a warning to ECOWAS, which issued an ultimatum to August 6 for the return to constitutional order, otherwise a military intervention was possible. « Any aggression or attempted aggression against the State of Niger will see an immediate and unannounced response from the Niger Defense and Security Forces on one of its members, with the exception of suspended friendly countries. “warn the military.
Ces « friendly countries suspended are Burkina Faso and Mali, also led by juntas in solidarity with last week’s coup and ready to collaborate with the new power in Niamey. General Salifou Mody, number two of the CNSP, was also visiting Ouagadougou on August 2 and 3.
1691115754
#junta #denounces #military #agreements #France #retaliate #aggression #ECOWAS