France is “not in the logic of leaving Niger”, declares the Nigerien Minister of the Interior

France is not “not in the logic of leaving Niger”, declared the Nigerien Minister of the Interior on Tuesday, October 3. Appointed by the military regime resulting from the coup d’état, Mohamed Toumba spoke during a meeting with civil society organizations, unions, religious and traditional leaders, a week after Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of the withdrawal by the end of the year of the tricolor troops of this Sahelian country.

Some 1,500 French soldiers are present in Niger as part of the anti-jihadist fight. “Today, there are more than 3,000 or even 3,500”, estimated General Toumba. The French will leave Niger “but not by Benin”declared General Toumba. “Any direction except Benin”he insisted. “We’re going to let go of your planes at the last minute.” he added, without further details.

The military regime has been engaged in a standoff with France since the July coup that overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum, an ally of the former colonial power. This does not recognize the new authorities of Niger.