France’s Foreign Minister has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to retaining troops in Niger and maintaining the presence of the French ambassador.
The military leadership in Niamey had previously demanded the expulsion of the French ambassador more than a week ago.
Catherine Colonna, speaking to Le Monde newspaper, emphasized that Ambassador Sylvain Itte represented France to Niger’s “legitimate authorities,” referring to the deposed government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
This statement came amid ongoing protests in Niamey, where tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets for the third consecutive day near a French military base. These demonstrators continue to call for France, their former colonial power, to withdraw its troops.
France currently has approximately 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger, primarily to assist in addressing the Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region.